Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
Spring-loaded shutters that only open when both slots are pushed at once — stopping children from inserting objects.
Why this code exists
Roughly seven children a day were treated in ERs for shocks and burns from inserting objects into receptacles.
An object touching only one slot cannot open a tamper-resistant receptacle's internal shutters; both must be pressed simultaneously, as a plug does. Required in dwellings from the 2008 edition.
When it applies
Tamper-resistant receptacles are required in nearly all the 15- and 20-amp, 125-volt receptacles you install in dwellings, plus places like child-care centers and waiting rooms. If a little one can reach it, it almost certainly needs the shutters.
Common mistakes
- Grabbing a standard receptacle off the shelf because it was cheaper, then failing inspection.
- Forcing a plug in crooked and cracking the shutter mechanism, so it never seals again.
- Assuming a spot is exempt because it is up high, when the Code still calls for TR.
In the field
I once had a homeowner swear the new outlets were defective because plugs went in harder. I showed her both blades have to push evenly at the same time, and that little bit of resistance is exactly what keeps a hairpin or paperclip out. Once she understood it was protecting her kids, she stopped asking me to swap them.
Tamper-resistant is cheap insurance. I've pulled bent paperclips out of old receptacles in kids' rooms — that's exactly what these shutters stop.
See full history
- 2008 — Required in dwelling units.
Related codes
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