Most of today’s parents are familiar with the plastic outlet cap. When it comes to baby-proofing, this device has been considered standard for securing electrical outlets for years. But parents know these can be inconvenient, difficult to use, and unattractive. Upgrading to Tamper Resistant Receptacles, or TRRs, can rid your home of those plastic caps forever. TRRs will permanently secure your outlets and ensure the safety of any young child in your home.
What Is A Tamper Resistant Receptacle
Did you know that there are six to twelve children fatalities per year that occur due to electrical danger? An estimate of 2,400 children suffer from severe shock and burns each ear due to sticking items into the slots of electrical receptacles. Tamper resistant receptacles have the ability to prevent any such shocks, burns, or tragic deaths from happening. Tamper resistant receptacles are outlets that block electrical shutters from opening when a child attempts to insert an object into the outlet. This ensures that there is no contact with electricity, and secures your child's and family's safety.
How Do Tamper Resistant Outlets Work?
With Tamper Resistant Receptacles, your outlets remain accessible and inconspicuous while offering an even higher level of security than plastic outlet caps. They look identical to standard wall outlets, but the dangerous electrical contacts inside are covered by receptacle cover plates. These plates stay closed unless equal pressure is applied to both contact points at the same time. This prevents foreign objects from being inserted into the outlet. TRRs can offer even more safeguard from electrical hazards when installed with GFCI or AFCI protection. A well-trained electrician can easily replace or install TRRs using the same methods as standard outlets.
Tamper Resistant Receptacles Prevent Injury
Electrical outlets can be very tempting for curious children. Last year, nearly 5,500 people suffered shocks and burns from electrical outlets, and over 2,400 of them were under the age of 17. Many of these injuries were caused when foreign objects like keys, paperclips, and hairpins were inserted into outlets. A staggering 70% of these injuries occurred even with adult supervision. Why? Parents often assume that their outlets are secure once plastic outlet caps are installed but they have been proven ineffective in recent years.
In one surprising study done by Temple University, 100% of the 2-4-year-olds they observed could remove a standard plastic outlet cap in only 10 seconds! With the cap removed, not only does the outlet become a potential electrical hazard, but the small cap also becomes a choking risk. The most effective way to secure your outlets and prevent dangerous electrical accidents is by installing TRRs.
The National Electric Code has required Tamper Resistant Receptacles in new home construction since 2008 but they can easily be installed in existing homes too. Contact Mel Carr Electric to schedule a visit. We’ll send a skilled electrician to offer a free quote and discuss all of your options to secure your outlets.