Tamper Resistant
If you’ve ever struggled to get a plug into a new outlet, you’ve probably met a Tamper-Resistant (TR) receptacle. While they can feel a bit stubborn at first, there is a very important reason they are now the standard.
The National Electrical Code now requires Tamper-Resistant receptacles in nearly all areas of a home—not just in kids’ bedrooms or playrooms.
The Impact: These outlets feature spring-loaded shutters that only open when equal pressure is applied to both sides at the same time (like when you’re pushing in a standard plug). If a child tries to poke a single object—like a paperclip, a key, or a hairclip—into just one slot, the shutters stay locked tight.
It’s a simple, low-cost mechanical solution that prevents thousands of childhood burn and shock injuries every year. If you’re swapping out old, painted-over outlets during a renovation, make sure you’re upgrading to TR-rated versions. It keeps your home up to code and gives you one less thing to worry about when the grandkids are over.
#rocketcity #huntsvilleelectrician #huntsville #ChildSafety #HomeMaintenance
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