- In Tips
Tamper Resistant Receptacles
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 2,400 children suffer severe shock and burns when they stick items into the slots of electrical receptacles. They also estimate that six to twelve children are killed each year as a result of this activity. In order to protect my children 20 years ago, I opted to use the plastic inserts that plug into the receptacles thereby closing off the slots. This worked great, however I always seemed to misplace the inserts when I used the plug and then I was left with an unprotected outlet.
Child Safety Covers
Shortly afterward came the Sliding Receptacle Cover which required a person to slide the cover to the side in order to open the contacts. Once the plug or appliance was pulled out, a spring moved the slide blocking off the contacts. As we all know, children are very observant and by watching their parents perform this task multiple times, these covers are easily defeated.
Sliding Receptacle Cover
Fast forward to 2008. The National Electric Code (NEC) began requiring new and renovated homes to have Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TR). These receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that close off the contact openings of the receptacles. When a plug is inserted into the receptacle, both springs are compressed simultaneously and the shutters open, allowing for the metal prongs to make contact and create the electrical circuit. When the plug is removed from the outlet, the shutters close. Because both springs must be compressed at the same time, the shutters will not open when a child attempts to insert an object into only one contact opening, thereby preventing contact with electricity.
When using a TR, you must insert the plug as straight as possible into the slots in order make contact with both shutters simultaneously. If you try to insert the plug at an angle and only touch one shutter, then the mechanism will not operate. Remember the safety mechanism requires both shutters to be compressed simultaneously.
It’s very important to make our homes safer for children and Tamper Resistant Receptacles are a big step in making that happen.
Tamper Resistant Receptacle (TR)
What’s been your experience with child safety covers, sliding receptacle covers, and/or tamper resistant receptacles? I’d love to hear your stories of what’s worked/not worked for you.
