Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

Vital for safety, and now required by code in most situations.

Tamper-resistant receptacles are now required by code for all new 15- and 20-amp outlets in homes. These outlets have built-in shutters that prevent children from inserting foreign objects into the slots. Statistically, children 6 years of age or less are more likely to suffer electrical burns and shocks in the home. Tamper-resistant outlets are also required in other common public facilities where children may not be closely supervised.

Safer than outlet caps, and more convenient than whole-outlet covers.

Tamper-resistant receptacles are devices that make it very difficult to push anything into an outlet without pushing into both sides at the same time. They are a more “passive” and reliable solution than simple outlet caps, or whole-outlet covers. They also do not detract from your home decor, since they are almost identical in appearance to ordinary receptacles.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), each year approximately 2,400 children suffer severe shock and burns when they stick items into the slots of electrical receptacles – that is nearly 7 children a day!

It is estimated that there are 6 to 12 fatalities a year related to this. Nearly one-third of these injuries are the result of small children placing ordinary household objects, such as keys, pins, or paperclips into the outlets with disastrous outcomes.