H—44a

Electrical Sectional Committee (Five meetings) Insulator Pins Oommittee .. .. .. .. .. Two meetings. Electrical Accessories and Appliances Committee .. .. Five meetings. Switches Sub-committee .. .. .. .. .. Two meetings. Grillers Panel .. .. .. .. .. .. One meeting. Appliance Connectors Panel .. .. .. .. One meeting. Electrical Hot-water Systems Committee .. .. .. Three meetings. Electrical Hot-water Systems Panel .. .. .. .. Four meetings. Parent Committee. —In addition to reviewing the work being carried out under its supervision, this committee considered 37 draft British, standards, 58 British standards, 7 draft Australian standards, 1 American standard, and 33 amendments to overseas specifications it had previously considered. Fifteen of the British standards were recommended for adoption as New Zealand standard specifications, while 24 of the amendments were endorsed for incorporation in the corresponding New Zealand standard specifications. Arising out of this work, the committee also requested the Ceramics Sectional Committee to undertake the preparation of a standard specification for ihsulators. Insulator Pins. —Further progress was made with the development of a standard specification for insulator pins and spindles for use in communications, signals, and low- and high-tension power transmission and distribution systems. Domestic Electrical Appliances.—Good progress was made with the formulation of ■a comprehensive series of standard specifications for the commonly used domestic electrical appliances, the necessity for which has been strongly represented by Government and supply authorities, electricians, users, and other interested parties. Standard specifications were completed for non-metallic electric jugs and for electric jugs and kettles •qf, ,the metallic type. Draft standard specifications which were circulated for comment •during the year related to irons, immersion heaters, grillers, and cookers other than ranges and rangettes. In each, case these specifications establish minimum requirements relating to materials, essential dimensions, assembly, basic design, and performance in a way that ensures adequate. safety, durability, efficiency, and interchangeability. 'Certification of Conformity with these specifications through the use of the Standards Mark on this equipment will provide a basis for control of its manufacture, sale, and Use which has long been urged to lessen the dangers and economic loss which result from the use of inferior equipment. Switches.—A draft standard specification was completed for flush-mounting wall switches, wall plates, and metal outlet boxes,, and is now in the course of circulation for comment. This is the fi'fst'of a Series of specificatioiis which will be prepared to -cover all types of switches for use on Circuits not exceeding 15 amps. Plugs and Sockets.—A revision of the existing standard specification for electric plugs and sockets was commenced during the year, and proposed amendments, based upon experience of the use of the specification, are to be circulated in-draft form for comment. The proposed amendments include the deletion of the provisions in respect •of the two-pin parallel plug and socket and their replacement by similar provisions relating to the two-pin T type which has the advantage of polarizing the lines. It is also proposed to up-rate the current-carrying capacity from 10 amps, to 13| amps. Thermal-storage Electric Water-heaters. —At the request of the supply authorities, and with their full collaboration, a draft standard specification for thermal-storage electric water-heaters was formulated and circulated to interested parties for comment. It establishes minimum requirements in respect of the manufacture and installation of cylinders, pipe connections, cylinder elements, and thermostat connections. It also specifies insulation requirements, including the quality of the lagging-material and the

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