HARRISBURG, Pa. Jan. 11, 2010 - The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) recently approved the 2009 International Building Code and the 2009 International Residential Code, which include new electrical safety provisions. One safety provision, IRC section E4002.14, requires tamper-resistant electrical outlets in new homes, offering greater protection for children.

Similar to section 406.11 of the 2008 National Electrical Code® (NEC), IRC section E4002.14 states that 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles shall be listed tamper-resistant electrical outlets, or receptacles. Each year, thousands of children suffer injuries caused by inserting objects into electrical outlets, and tamper-resistant receptacles protect against such incidents.

Using a built-in shutter system, tamper-resistant receptacles prevent foreign objects from touching electrically live components when inserted into the socket, 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.

"The tamper resistant outlet requirement 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). "Pennsylvania families and their children will now have the most reliable protection available against electrical injuries."

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.

While Pennsylvania will follow IRC section E4002.14, section 406.11 of the NEC has taken effect at the state level in 31 states, including Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Five states with adoption within local jurisdictions have also begun enforcement: Alabama, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas.

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.