Do outlets need to be tamper resistant?
3 min read
Asked by: Lindsay King
Tamper-Resistant Receptacles (TR): All 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in a home are now required to be tamper-resistant. Tamper-resistant receptacles have built-in shutters that prevent children from inserting foreign objects in the receptacle slots.
Where are tamper resistant receptacles required?
Tamper-resistant receptacles shall be installed as specified in 406.12(A) through (C). (A) Dwelling Units. In all areas specified in 210.52, all nonlocking-type 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles. (B) Guest Rooms and Guest Suites of Hotels and Motels.
Should I install tamper resistant outlets?
As required by the 2008 national electrical code, tamper resistant GFCI’s should be installed in any new construction or renovation. Tamper resistant receptacles, commonly known as TRR, can help protect from electrical shock, injury, or even death.
Do kitchen receptacles need tamper resistant?
Tamper-Resistant Outlet Code Requirements
Requirement: All 15 amp and 20 amp outlets, whether GFCI or not, must be tamper-resistant in the following kitchen-related places: small appliance circuit, countertop space (including kitchen island countertop outlets), walls, and hallway space.
Do bathroom outlets need to be tamper resistant?
For example, any 15- or 20-ampere receptacle that is part of a luminaire or appliance—those receptacles totally controlled by a wall switch in any habitable room, those located within cabinets or cupboards, or any receptacles located more than 5½ feet above the floor—is required to be tamper-resistant.
When did tamper resistant outlets become required?
2008
Tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles were first required within the 2008 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
What is the difference between a tamper proof outlet and a regular outlet?
The new tamper-resistant outlets look just like regular outlets but have an interior cover that will open only when the two prongs of a plug are inserted simultaneously. This prevents children from sticking something into one of the slots and getting burned or electrocuted.
What is code for bathroom outlets?
The NEC requires that all outlet receptacles in a bathroom be GFCI protected. Outlet circuit must be 20 amps: The outlets in a bathroom should be served by a 20-amp circuit, separate from the lighting circuit, to provide power items such as curling irons, razors, and hairdryers.
Are GFCI outlets tamper resistant?
A: The GFCI pictured is weather resistant (WR printed on it). It does not look tamper resistant, it would have TR printed on it, and have white “curtains” blocking the openings.
Does every bathroom need a GFCI?
Where Should GFCI Outlets Be Installed? Bathrooms – All bathroom receptacles should have GFCI outlets installed. Garages & Sheds – Any area inside or outside of the house that is not considered a “habitable” room should include GFCI outlets. This includes garages, sheds, and any other work/storage areas.
Does a shower light need to be GFCI protected?
A. Master electrician Sean Kenney responds: The short answer is yes. Although the NEC does not require either the switch or the light fixture to be GFCI-protected, most lighting fixtures designed for use in a shower stall require GFCI protection to meet UL requirements.
Is there a difference between GFI and GFCI?
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.
