TAMPER RESISTANT RECEPTACLES SAVE LIVES

By Francisco Beroiz

The most relevant characteristic of all electrical accidents, such as electrocutions, burns or fires is that they are completely avoidable. There are several safety devices we can use to mitigate or cancel any undesired effect of electricity.

If you have children at home, you must consider this issue: They will always try to insert foreign objects into any open slot, including readily accessible receptacles.

Each year, 2,400 children suffer severe shock and burns resulting from inserting objects into the slots of electrical receptacles. That’s nearly seven children a day (www.esfi.org).

What differentiates a tamper-resistant (TR) receptacle? They may look like standard outlets, but TR receptacles have a built-in shutter system that prevents foreign objects like keys, pens or paperclips from being inserted. Only a plug that applies simultaneous, equal pressure to both slots will disengage the cover plates, allowing access to the contact points.  Without this synchronized pressure, the cover plates remain closed, protecting your children from painful, traumatic electrical injuries.

This type of receptacle has shown a great level of efficiency, so National Electrical Code made TRRs standard in all new home construction. Existing homes can be easily retrofitted with TRRs using the same installation guidelines that apply to standard receptacles. TRRs should only be installed by a licensed electrician and should carry a label from a nationally recognized, independent testing labs such as UL, ETL, or CSA.

Combined with GFCI (Ground Fault) and CAFCI (Combination Arc Fault) protections, TRR’s receptacles can give homeowners peace of mind and avoid the typical electrical issues that so often cause life and assets losses.

Francisco Beroiz is an Electrical Engineer with 18 years’ experience in the electrical field, and he is the new Manager at Al Siefert Electric (Lic.#EC0002423)

The articles he writes are about matters of interest and questions from his customers. Please call Francisco if you have questions concerning electric service, installation, and repair.

(954) 493-9411