Residential and commercial electrical services when you need them and at the right price.
Tamper Resistant Receptacles
July 15, 2015
During a six year period between 2003 – 2009, more than 360 Canadian children, under the age of six, were injured in accidents involving electrical wall receptacles. The extent of the injuries range from first to third degree burns. But tragically, these electrical injuries also account for an average of four deaths by electrocution each year. Over seventy percent of these incidents occurred in homes where adult supervision was present at the time of the incident. These unfortunate statistics have initiated one of the important changes to the 21st edition of the Canadian Electrical Code, revised for 2009.
Better Safety at Last!
The introduction of a tamper resistant receptacle to the general public in a residential environment is a much needed safety measure. Tamper Resistant receptacles are now available on the market and can easily be identified by the TR marking or the words Tamper Resistant. These receptacles are now mandatory in all new residential dwellings except in areas not accessible to small children such as attics and crawl spaces. Tamper Resistant receptacles are preferred over products with caps or sliding covers as caps may be lost, and could also become a choking hazard for certain age groups. Children can learn to master sliding receptacle covers when they watch adults use them. TR receptacles provide security against the insertion of objects other than cord plugs into the energized parts.
The reality is that accidents happen very quickly, even under the most watchful eye. The installation of Tamper Resistant receptacles will reduce the incident of electrical shock and injury in your home.
How is this product different?
The TR receptacle will work just like any other electrical outlet except it has a built-in, spring loaded shutter system behind the face plate that closes off the contact openings or slots of the receptacle. When a plug is inserted into the receptacle, both springs are compressed and then open, allowing the metal prongs of the plug to make contact and create an electrical circuit. Because both springs must be compressed at exactly the same time, the shutters will not open when a child attempts to insert an object into only one receptacle opening. Consequently there is no contact with electricity and an injury or tragedy is avoided.
Life just got a little easier for Parents and Caregivers
Although TR receptacles are not required for existing homes, parents have been waiting for this technology. In order to provide a safer environment for their children, many homeowners are choosing to replace their existing receptacles with the Tamper Resistant version. The convenience and peace of mind knowing that automatic protection is always in place, whenever a plug is removed, is comforting for anyone who has been entrusted with the care and supervision of a busy toddler.
The installation of Tamper Resistant receptacles are an important step in making your home a safer place for all children. A licensed, certified Blue Crest electrician will be able to assist with this task. Please call us at any of the phone numbers listed on our contact page.
Note: The TR receptacle examples shown here are Pass & Seymour products.
If your home was constructed in the 50s, 60s, or 70s, you may be using outdated or insufficient electrical systems to power your modern devices. Many homes in this time period were outfitted with knob & tube wiring or aluminum wiring systems, both of which are extremely hazardous when compared to modern copper wiring solutions.... READ MORE
Electricity is potentially a lethal and dangerous energy source. High Voltages combined with large amounts of Amps have the ability to stop your heart. Hiring an electrician is the safest way to avoid electrical shocks and accidents, it could even save your life. Electricity is the flow of electric charge and energy resulting from the... READ MORE