Slimplug 'wired in' to product safety

Slimplug is a power lead with a revolutionary folding pin plug. Originally designed for the laptop user, Slimplug is a space saving device which will fit a number of electrical items that use a figure of eight connector including most laptops, camcorders, games consoles and other portable devices.

Q. Slimplug is a simple but innovative idea, how did it come about?
RL. John Gillis, Director of Ridings Limited waited for 8 years for someone to bring a folding pin plug to market. After seeing failed designs from other engineers, he commissioned research to identify the markets for a successful design and took up the challenge himself. A Design Engineer by trade the prospect of developing a folding pin plug was an exciting project to be undertaken.

Q. Who are the team responsible for its development?
RL. John Gillis and Alex Gillis of Ridings Limited and Sam Rees from Optima Design

Q. How did ASTA BEAB become involved in the project?
RL. We researched companies that could grant a licence for the BS 1363 certification. ASTA BEAB proved to have more specialisation in plugs and sockets than anyone else. Once contact had been established the first question was 'is a folding pin plug possible in principle and could it be certified to BS 1363?' Once these two fundamental questions were answered with a 'yes' work began.

Q. What were your challenges?
RL. One significant challenge was gaining the ASTA Diamond Mark approval, as we were aware that additional tests would have to be developed for the extra function of folding pins. It was apparent that a lot of hard work and determination would be required, but working closely with the ASTA BEAB team we knew it could be achieved.

ASTA BEAB were excellent throughout the process and we couldn't have done it without them. Colin Stephens was our contact and we had constant communication with him. There was much discussion about how Slimplug should be tested and what were the additional safety requirements for the folding pin function. Ultimately, Slimplug had to pass all of the regular tests for the BS 1363 certification and then pass the additional criteria developed especially for us.

Q. What kind of support were ASTA BEAB able to provide you throughout the development process?
RL. Firstly they helped us to interpret the standard. The cross references within the document can make it a little mind-boggling. Once we had established what was required of Slimplug we had contact the whole way through to ensure that we were complying with the standard.

Q. Are you focusing on the UK, Europe or further a field?
RL. For the first year of trading our focus will be solely on the UK, but after that we will look to roll it out. 3 pin plugs are used in over 40 countries including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Namibia, and Hong Kong, Malaysia and South Africa so there is plenty of scope for export. Research for the next generation Slimplug is currently underway. We are also looking to license the technology for companies to use on their own products.

To find out more about Slimplug visit www.slimplug.com