GARDINER, Maine, Sept. 29, 2008 - The State of Maine Electricians' Examining Board recently voted to adopt the 2008 National Electrical Code® (NEC) and approved inclusion of a new child safety precaution. NEC Section 406.11 states that all 125-volt 15- and 20-ampere electrical outlets (receptacles) in new residential construction must be tamper-resistant receptacles.

Effective as of Sept. 1, all installations of electrical equipment must comply with the 2008 NEC, as adopted by the Board, as well as with all applicable statutes or rules of the State and all applicable ordinances, orders, rules and regulations of local municipalities.

“The Electricians' Examining Board’s support of the 2008 NEC, and the tamper-resistant receptacle requirement, marks a tremendous advancement for the electrical industry, for home safety, and especially for families,” said Gil Moniz, field representative for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). “The new Code affords Maine children the most reliable protection against electrical injuries.”

Using a built-in shutter system, tamper-resistant receptacles prevent foreign objects from touching electrically live components when they’re inserted into the slots, but plugs can be inserted and removed just as with standard electrical outlets. Unlike plastic outlet caps, which can be removed or forgotten, tamper-resistant receptacles offer automatic, continuous and permanent protection against electrical burns.

While unfamiliar to many homeowners, pediatric care wards have required hospital grade tamper-resistant receptacles for more than 20 years. And, even with their invaluable protection, the projected compliance costs using residential grade products are minimal. NEMA estimates that tamper-resistant receptacles would add less than $70 to the cost of a new home’s electrical system.

Parents, homeowners, and building and electrical professionals wanting to learn about tamper-resistant receptacles, child safety statistics, and Code details can view an informational video and other resources at NEMA's Real Safety Web site: www.childoutletsafety.org. Additional information can be found at Electrical Safety Foundation International: www.esfi.org.

The NEC is an American National Standard developed by electrical safety experts under strict rules to ensure openness and broad representation by all interests. NEC adoption takes place on a state-by-state basis.