| How does the 2011 Code differ from the 2008 Code? |
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| What are the clarifications and exceptions outlined in the 2011 Code? |
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Answer:
Changes are as follows:
Section 406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles for Dwelling Units.
Revised from the 2008 NEC Section 406.11, the 2011 NEC Section 406.12 allows exceptions to the tamper-resistant receptacle requirement. Tamper-resistant receptacles are not required:
- in areas located more than 5.5 feet above the floor
- in receptacles in a dedicated space for appliances that can’t be easily moved (such as a refrigerator)
- in receptacles that are part of a luminaire or appliance.
These exceptions recognize that certain receptacles can’t be easily reached by children, and there are receptacles specified Section 210.52 that are not considered to meet the receptacle installation requirements in dwellings. In addition, 406.12 limits the tamper-resistant requirement to the non-locking type of receptacle.
Section 406.13 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in Guest Rooms and Guest Suites.
This is a new section that requires non-locking 15 and 20 ampere, 125 volt receptacles in guest rooms and guest suites to be tamper-resistant. Guest rooms and guests suites are defined in article 100 of the NEC. These locations are often occupied by children and present hazards similar to other locations requiring tamper-resistant receptacles.
Section 406.14 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in Child Care Facilities.
All non-locking 125 volt, 15 and 20 amp receptacles installed in child care facilities must be tamper-resistant. Section 406.2 defines a child care facility as a location where educational, supervision or personal care services are provided for more than four children under the age of 7.
Section 406.4(D)(5) Tamper-Resistant Replacement Receptacles.
This new section requires a tamper-resistant receptacle to be used for replacements in any location that the Code specifies as requiring tamper resistant receptacles. Therefore, existing homes undergoing renovations should have tamper-resistant receptacles installed in specified areas.
For more detailed information on these Code changes, visit the Code Details page.
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| How can I identify tamper-resistant receptacles? |
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Answer:
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 498 requires "Tamper Resistant" or "TR" to be marked "on the device where visible after installations with the cover plate removed," meaning that every tamper-resistant device must display an appropriate marking that’s visible with the wall plate removed.
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| Could tamper-resistant receptacles be used instead of GFCIs? |
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Answer:
Tamper-resistant receptacles don’t replace GFCIs. A GFCI senses current leakage to ground and shuts off power, preventing electrocution. The NEC requires GFCIs, and they should be used in conjunction with tamper-resistant receptacles.
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How do tamper-resistant receptacles work? |
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Answer:
Tamper-resistant receptacles typically have built-in shutter systems that prevent foreign objects from touching electrically live components when they’re inserted into the slots. The shutters protect against electrical burns without impairing normal plug insertion, removal or function.
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Can I just use those plastic caps? |
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Answer:
The plastic caps that can be inserted into outlet openings are readily available, easy to install, and are typically effective for children under 2 years old. However, research has found that 47 percent of 4-year-olds studied were able to remove one brand of cap and 100 percent of 2- and 4-year-olds could remove a second brand—in many cases within 10 seconds!
An additional risk comes from adults forgetting to reinsert the caps after using an outlet. Likewise, children can easily pull out electrical plugs from lamps and other items, leaving exposed outlets.
Plastic caps and tamper-resistant wallplates do not provide an NEC-compliant solution.
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| Are tamper-resistant receptacles 100 percent tamper-proof? |
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Answer:
Tamper-resistant receptacles have mechanical shutters that prevent insertion of such single-pronged objects as hairpins, keys, and nails. Data show this to be the most common cause of electrical injuries in young children. The devices don’t protect against two single-pronged items inserted simultaneously—the shutters would interpret that situation as a two-pronged plug, allowing insertion.
Determined adults and adolescents could potentially bypass the mechanism with significant effort. However, UL test standards ensure integrity and performance under normal circumstances.
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| Would tamper-resistant receptacles protect against partial plug insertion? |
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Answer:
Tamper-resistant receptacles function just like standard receptacles in this situation. Plugs that aren’t fully inserted expose portions of the blades that are in contact with the receptacle’s live terminals. Under some conditions, the gap between the plug face and receptacle face may be large enough for small fingers to contact these live blades.
Proper ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection would prevent current flow to ground, but preventive measures should be taken to keep small children from playing with and inserting appliance plugs.
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| Is it harder to insert or remove a plug from a tamper-resistant receptacle? |
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Answer:
Recent testing by several device manufacturers found no appreciable difference for insertion and removal forces between tamper-resistant and non-tamper-resistant receptacles. However, bent, damaged, or burred plug blades can make insertion more difficult. To ensure proper function, users should examine and straighten or replace substandard plug blades.
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| Where’s the proof that tamper-resistant receptacles offer greater protection? |
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Answer:
Hospitals have required tamper-resistant receptacles in pediatric wards for more than 20 years. In addition, European electrical receptacles often incorporate tamper-resistant shutters for intrinsic safety. Tamper-resistant receptacles are:
- UL listed – subjected to intense, documented testing procedures
- Permanent – once installed, they offer continuous protection, unlike plastic outlet caps that can be removed or forgotten
- Reliable – this hard-wired solution eliminates the worry about inserting, losing or breaking the device
- Automatic – protection remains, even with plug or cord removal
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| How much more will tamper-resistant receptacles cost me? |
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Answer:
NEMA estimates that tamper-resistant receptacles will add less than $70 to the material cost of a new home’s electrical system.
All of the major manufacturers have developed very cost effective residential products. These are much less expensive than the commercial products required in hospitals and pediatric care facilities
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| Can I retrofit an older house with tamper-resistant receptacles? |
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Answer:
Absolutely. Installation of tamper-resistant receptacles is identical to installation of standard receptacles, and tamper-resistant receptacles are completely interchangeable with standard ones.
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| Could tamper-resistant receptacles be used in correctional facilities? |
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Answer:
Tamper-resistant receptacles aren’t intended to provide full protection against situations encountered in psychiatric or correctional facilities.
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| Where do most accidents happen? |
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Answer:
CPSC data indicate that about 71 percent of electrical incidents occur at home, with adult supervision typically present.
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| What types of objects are commonly inserted into receptacles? |
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Answer:
Children insert a wide variety of metal objects into receptacles, including paper clips, pens, safety pins, screws and nails, tools, wire, forks, tweezers, hair pins, keys, knives, coins and more. The two most common objects inserted are keys and hairpins—items that children can access easily and parents don’t often consider dangerous. Even “safe” items can pose electrical hazards.
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| Who is at risk? |
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Answer:
It’s estimated that 89 percent of injuries occur in children less than six years old, and toddlers make up about half of the victims. Boys carry the greatest risk, regardless of age.
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| How severe are the injuries? |
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Answer:
CPSC data indicate that about 94 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, the frequent presence of saliva creates an ideal environment for electric flow, making burns and scars more severe.
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| Where can I go to learn more? |
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Answer:
- For NEMA’s Real Safety campaign resources: www.childoutletsafety.org
- For manufacturer research and safety statistics: www.nema.org
- For U.S. incident statistics: www.cpsc.gov/library/neiss.html
- For the CPSC data sheet of electrical safety: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/524.html
- For Canadian incident statistics: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/injury-bles/chirpp
- For the Consumers Union Report on Outlet Caps: http://www.consumersunion.org/products/childsafeny698.htm
- For the State Farm report on home electrical safety: http://www.statefarm.com/learning/child_safety/learning_childsafety_elec.asp
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