Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) are an important safety feature that are designed to prevent electrical shocks and burns. According to the Electronic Safety Foundation (ESFI) each year, approximately 2,400 children suffer severe shock and burns when they stick items into the slots of electrical receptacles – that is nearly seven children a day. Nearly one-third of these injuries are the result of small children placing ordinary household objects, such as keys, pins, or paperclips into the outlets with disastrous consequences.
Tamper resistant receptacles look like regular outlets, but have a shutter mechanism inside the that prevents the contacts from being engaged unless a 2-prong plug is inserted. Any other object including hairpins, keys, etc., are effectively locked out. TRRs have been required by the National Electrical Code since 2008, and while they are widely used in schools, day care centers and other buildings, they are not widely used in homes.
Do Plastic Outlet Covers Protect Children From Electrical Shock?
A study by Temple University found that 100% of all 2-4 year olds were able to remove one type of plastic outlet cap within 10 seconds! The only effective way to properly childproof your outlets is by installing tamper resistant receptacles.
Tamper resistant receptacles are a simple, cost-effective way to protect your family from harm. Call Clover Electric today. We offer professional installation of a full range of electrical safety devices.
