ST. PAUL, Minn., July 29, 2008 - The Minnesota Board of Electricity voted to adopt the 2008 National Electrical Code® (NEC) with a new child safety precaution included. 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.

The Minnesota Board of Electricity first proposed 2008 NEC adoption at its Dec. 11, 2007 meeting. After a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments on April 25, 2008, the Board maintained its position to adopt the Code in its entirety.

On July 8 Minnesota Administrative Law Judge Richard C. Luis issued a report recommending 2008 NEC adoption without amendments. Judge Luis' final report can be accessed at http://www.oah.state.mn.us/cases/190019553-electric/index.html. Pending completion of additional rulemaking steps and procedures, the Code is expected to take effect around Sept. 1.

"The Minnesota Board of Electricity's adoption of the Code without amendments marks a tremendous advancement for the electrical industry, for home safety, and especially for families," said Andrei Moldoveanu, technical director at the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). "The new Code affords Minnesota 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.

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data, approximately 2,400 children suffer electrical injuries each year-about seven children every day-from inserting metal objects into electrical outlets.

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.