Tamper Resistant Receptacles
Each year, approximatley 2,400 children suffer sever shock and burns when they stick items into the slots of electrical receptacles. It is estimated that there are 6 to 12 child fatalities a year related to this.
Each year, approximatley 2,400 children suffer sever shock and burns when they stick items into the slots of electrical receptacles. It is estimated that there are 6 to 12 child fatalities a year related to this.
The 2008 National Electrical Code 406.11 requires residential dwellings including homes and apartments to have tamper resistant (TR) receptacles. These receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that close off the contact openings, or slots of the receptacles. When a plug is inserted into the receptacle, both springs are compressed and the shutters then open, allowing for the metal prongs to make contact to create an electrical circuit. Because both springs must be compressed at the same time, the shutters do not open wh en a child attempts to insert an object into only one contact opening, and there is no contact with electricity. Tamper resistant receptacles are an important next step to making the home a safer place for children.
If homeowners do not have children, are TR receptacles required?
Yes. Owners or tenants of homes and apartments change frequently. In addition, exposure to electrical shock and burn accidents are not limited to a child’s own home. Children visit homes of relatives and friends who don’t have children of their own. This requirement ensures all homes and apartments are safe for children, whether the home is their own or they are there on a temporary basis.
Why are TR receptacles preferred over products such as receptacles with caps or with sliding covers?
Receptacle caps may be lost and also may be a choking hazard for some ages. Children can learn to defeat sliding receptacle covers when they watch their parents. TR receptacles provide security against the insertion of objects other than cord plugs into the energized parts.
Shouldn’t people accept responsibility for their children and teach their children not to stick items in receptacles?
Accidents involving children and receptacles cannot be blamed entirely on poor parenting. They involve people who look away for a moment, only to face undue tragedy and pain as the result of a child’s curiosity. The National Electrical Code’s mission is to provide electrical safety in the home. TR receptacles are a simple and easy way to protect children from serious injuries that continue to happen every year.
