Kids love to explore, and that’s a good thing–it’s basically their job to learn, after all. Unfortunately, all that curiosity occasionally gets kids in trouble. They do something dangerous like playing with electrical outlets and they get hurt. Around 2,400 children shock themselves on electrical outlets every year in the US. The best way to keep kids from hurting themselves with electrical outlets is installing tamper-resistant outlets in your home.
What are tamper-resistant electrical outlets?
Tamper-resistant outlets are designed to prevent kids from hurting themselves while fidgeting with an outlet. They have two spring-loaded shutters that close the slots when you remove a plug. When you insert a plug, both shutters compress and the slots open again to accept the plug.
It’s important to note the shutters only open when both springs are compressed at the same time. If some curious kid shoves a nail in one opening, the shutters don’t open. Tamper-resistant outlets make your home safer.
What if you don’t have children?
There are all kinds of reasons to have tamper-resistant outlets in your home, even if you don’t have kids. Kids visit, homes are sold, new tenants move into apartments, etc. Every home or apartment should have tamper-resistant outlets. Sooner or later, little kids will want to “see what happens if I stick a fork in there.” In fact, tamper-resistant outlets are important enough that modern codes require them in new homes and apartment buildings.
Is it harder to stick a plug into a tamper-resistant outlet?
No. The spring-loaded mechanism lifts the shutters as you press the plug into the outlets. You won’t notice any difference in convenience between tamper-resistant outlets and normal ones.
Do tamper-resistant outlets cost more?
A little bit. They cost about 50 cents more. If you’re building a home with the average number of outlets (75), it would cost around $40 more to install tamper-resistant outlets. That’s a small price to pay to keep the kids safe.
What about the plastic caps you plug in, or sliding receptacle covers?
Temple University did a study and every single 2-4 year old they tested removed one type of plastic outlet cap in 10 seconds. Children watching their parents quickly learned how to move sliding receptacle covers, as well. Tamper-resistant outlets are by far the most effective means of preventing children from shocking themselves in outlets.
Why are tamper-resistant outlets the right choice for my home?
- They’re inexpensive.
- They’re easy to install.
- They’re required by electrical code in new construction.
- They help keep children safe.
- They’re more convenient and effective than the little plastic caps.
How do I install a tamper-resistant outlet?
It’s easy! Just follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the outlet at the main service panel.
- Make sure there’s no power to the outlet.
- Unscrew the screws holding the outlet in place.
- Pull the old outlet out of the box.
- Disconnect the wires.
- Set the old outlet aside.
- Connect the new wires to the new outlet:
- The white (neutral) wire connects to a silver-colored terminal screw.
- The black (hot) wire connects to a gold-colored terminal screw.
- The bare wire connects to the green grounding screw. Make sure the cable sheath remains secured inside the box.
- Gently shove the wires back into the box.
- Slide the new tamper-resistant outlet into the box.
- Insert screws to secure the outlet.
- Replace the outlet cover.
- Insert the screw to secure the cover.
- Turn the power back on at the main service panel.
Smile! You’ve just made your home safer for the little ones.
If you’re still not sure if you need to install tamper-resistant outlets, check out the facts. If need convincing as to why you need these outlets, check out this information on outlet related injuries.
EarlyBird Electric is always available to help with any electrical project you’re working on. If you have questions about tamper-resistant outlets or you’re interested in installing some, just give us a call. We’re proud to help keep your kids safe.
TRRs resemble regular receptacles but they’re so much more. In fact, they provide a permanent solution to childhood shock caused by tampering with electrical outlets. TRRs feature built in safety shutters that block foreign objects from being inserted into the receptacle.
- TRRs required by the National Electrical Code since 2008
- Internal shutters block foreign objects from being inserted into the outlet.
Shutters will remain closed if an object is inserted into one side of the receptacle. The shutters open only when a 2 bladed or grounded plug is inserted.
Do TRRs require special instructions to use?
TRRs work like normal outlets.
When you plug into a TRR for the first time, you may be able to feel the internal shutter system engaging. If excessive force is needed to insert a plug into a TRR, there’s a chance that the plug, not the receptacle, is damaged
If a plug’s blade is bent or splayed, carefully straighten out the blades. This allows each prong to contact the shutters simultaneously and therefore engage them as designed.
If a plug is damaged and has a sharp edge or uneven blade tip, the plug will need to be replaced. Inserting damaged plugs into any receptacle may cause additional damage.
Never use a plug with cracks or creases on the blades in any receptacle.
GFCIs, AFCIs, and TRRs are required in all new and renovated homes. Remember, all outlet installations should be performed by a qualified electrician.
When homeowners are expecting their first child, there are many safety precautions that should be considered. One of the most recommended upgrades is replacing existing outlets with modern, child-friendly models. Tamper-resistant outlets are the best way to inexpensively add safety and security to a home and make it more child-proof. Here are some benefits of adding these outlets when remodeling the house with child safety in mind.
How tamper-resistant outlets work
A tamper-resistant outlet looks similar to a regular three-prong outlet on the outside. However, the sockets are covered by internal, spring-loaded shutters. Forcing an object through one of the holes in the socket won’t disengage the spring and open the outlet. The shutters will only open when a correct plug is inserted. Although it can be overridden with two similarly-shaped objects, children rarely have the strength necessary to push two separate objects into the plug which makes it a perfect safety measure. For adults, the spring doesn’t pose a problem for regular use.
Why are tamper-resistant outlets better?
Young children mimic what adults do, and they are usually at eye level with outlets around the house. Their natural curiosity often gets the better of them, and they tend to try to push their fingers or small objects into the socket to see what happens. While this might seem innocuous, ordinary plugs can be deadly. Accidents involving regular electrical outlets are common, and 2,400 children are hurt by placing objects into them each year.
What happens if a child puts something into an outlet?
If a metal item is pushed into the outlet, it will become an electrical conductor, and allow the electricity to travel through the child’s body from the outlet into the ground. Children can sustain injuries ranging from mild burns and shock to debilitating and even fatal ones.
Tamper-resistant outlets reduce much of the risk of injury when children are left unsupervised around the house. The spring-loaded design prevents children from activating the circuit because they won’t be able to move the shutters away.
While older children usually can stick items into the outlet, the outlet rarely accepts anything that is not a regular plug.
What to avoid when choosing outlets
When renovating the home electrical network, don’t use outlets that need to be screwed in place. The screw presents a considerable shock and fire hazard, and they are less convenient to replace.
While an outlet with an outer cover and without the tamper-proof design might appear attractive, they are not effective at preventing injuries. Children will quickly learn how to open the lid.
Are tamper-resistant outlets costly?
Tamper-resistant models are only slightly more expensive than regular outlets. Choosing them over traditional outlets won’t raise the cost more than a few dozen dollars at most. However, spending such a small amount of additional money is exceptionally worthwhile to protect loved ones.
When remodeling the electrical network, contact a qualified electrician or an electric company. Handling wires and electricity is dangerous work and should be left to professionals. The technician will also provide advice on outlet models, placement, and other recommended upgrades.
When you need a licensed electrician for commercial or residential electrical needs, call Zimmerman Electric at 310-378-1323.