Tamper-resistant Electrical Receptacles Help Protect Children

Tamper-resistant electrical receptacles are almost identical to regular receptacles except for the addition of  spring-loaded plastic shutters that block the main two conductor openings (slots). The shutters resist opening unless both prongs of the electrical plug are inserted evenly. As such, they are highly effective at preventing children from electrocuting themselves when attempting to stick an foreign item into only one opening (slot).

According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year approximately 2,400 children in the U.S. suffer severe shock and burns when they stick items into the slots of electrical receptacles. They estimate that there are 6 to 12 child fatalities every year related to this.
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Receptacle caps (plastic inserts) may be lost and are a choking hazard for some ages. Children can also learn to defeat sliding receptacle covers when they watch their parents. Tamper-resistant receptacles provide reliable security against the insertion of objects other than cord plugs into the energized parts.

Since 2008, tamper-resistant receptacle have been required for all 15- and 20-amp, 120-volt wall receptacless in new construction, unless the outlet is located more than five and a half feet above the floor (NEC 2008). However, regardless of the age of home or whether children currently reside there, upgrading to tamper-resistant receptables is highly recommended. You never know when a child or grandchild may be visiting. It is also strongly advised for landlords, as the makeup of tenants and visitors within homes can change on short notice.

The material cost is only minimally more expensive than a regular receptacle. Here is a link to the web page for a 10-pack of tamper-resistant outlets from Home Depot. At the time of this writing the price was $12.22 for a ten receptables or $1.22 each.

If you regularly have children or grandchildren in the house, but are on a tight budget, consider at least replacing those receptacles that are the most readily-assessable to children as a first round. Replacing an electrical receptacle is a candidate DIY project for the handy homeowner or handyman. Below is a link to a YouTube video on how upgrade an electrical receptacle.

How To Replace an Outlet or Install Tamper-Resistant Outlets