Tamper-Resistant Outlets
Your child could be at risk
Approximately 2,400 children receive emergency room treatment every year for injuries caused by inserting objects into electrical receptacles, according to a 10-year report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This equates to about seven children each day. Even more alarming is that the report found that over 70% of these electrical incidents occur at home, with adult supervision typically present.
Objects children insert are everyday, easily accessible household items:
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Hairpin - 32%
Keys - 17%
Finger - 12%
Pin, wire, screw or nail - 11%
Plug - 11%
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Unidentified - 8%
Paper clip or staple - 5%
Tool (i.e., tweezer, file or knife) - 3%
Jewelry or belt buckle - 1% |
How serious are the injuries?
CPSC reported almost 95 percent of injuries involve burns. These range in severity, but a significant number of serious and fatal incidents result-and even minor injuries can leave emotional trauma. Pediatric burns can be particularly serious, because the skin is thin and offers little resistance to electric flow or heat. With infants and toddlers, burns and scars are even more severe.
These injuries can be prevented
Using a plastic outlet cap is a common solution to prevent children from sticking objects into outlets. Unfortunately, plastic caps are not the safest option and can be easily removed by a young child. A safer solution is installing tamper resistant outlets. These specialized outlets have been so effective in preventing injuries to children that the 2008 National Electrical Code requires that tamper resistant outlets be installed in all new homes constructed. However, these inexpensive products can easily be incorporated into older homes as well.
What are Tamper Proof Outlets? How do they differ from a typical electrical outlet?
Tamper Proof Outlets are standard wall outlets that feature a shutter mechanism that protects children from sticking foreign objects into the receptacle (like hairpins, keys and paper clips). The spring-loaded shutter system in the outlet only allows electricity to flow when equal pressure is applied simultaneously to both shutters such as when an electrical plug is inserted. During unused conditions, both shutters are closed, and openings are covered.
Are they easy to install in older homes?
Yes. It is easy to retrofit an older home with tamper-resistant receptacles. Installation of tamper-resistant receptacles is identical to installation of standard receptacles.
Take the time to replace your outlets. For as little as $2 an outlet you can help avoid many preventable home injuries. Make your home a safer environment for your child by installing Tamper Proof Outlets.
2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) Basics
- The revision takes effect with the 2008 NEC, and states and municipalities will have to adopt the Code.
- NEC Article 406.11 states that all 125-volt. 15- and 20-ampere receptacles shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles.
- The new Code will affect all new construction installations for single- and multi-family homes.
- Historical adoption rates indicate about 50 percent of the states will likely adopt the Code in 2008, and 80 percent will likely adopt by 2009.
To Learn More
Press Releases
Quick Facts/Resources
Example of Tamper Resistant Outlets
Example of Regular Outlets
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