Tamper Resistant Receptacles: Keeping Our Children Safe

Each year, approximately 2,400 children are treated for shocks and burns after sticking a foreign object into an electrical outlet.

Common foreign items inserted into electrical outlets:

• Keys
• Hairpins
• Coins
• Fingers
• Paperclips 
• Tools and utensils

Since 2008, it's been required by the National Electrical Code for new and renovated houses, apartments, condos, etc. to have tamper resistant receptacles installed.

What is a Tamper Resistant Receptacle (TRR)?

TRR's have a spring-loaded shutter that blocks the openings to the contacts inside the device unless pressure is applied to both openings simultaneously, like when plugging in a cord. TRR's were specifically designed to prevent foreign objects from being inserted into the outlet, particularly by small children.

Shown above is a side-by-side comparison of a standard receptacle (left) and a tamper resistant receptacle (right). Notice how the screwdriver can easily be inserted into the opening of the receptacle on the left, making contact with the energized parts inside the device. Whereas the shutters on the TRR prevent the screwdriver from being inserted into the device, even when steady force is applied.

The receptacles in my home are protected using the plastic outlet caps, are these safe to use?

Receptacle covers are no longer considered safe by independent testing laboratories.
Studies show that children over the age of 2 can easily remove plastic receptacle covers, and that those covers could heat up and be a potential fire hazard. Sliding covers have also been around for a while, but a small child can learn just by observing their parents how to open the cover and stick something into the outlet.

(Image via ESFI)


Does my house have tamper resistant receptacles? 

It's fairly easy to identify the type of receptacle you have. Most TRR's should have a "TR" on the face of the device itself (shown below). Also, you should be able to notice the plastic shutters inside the openings of the device.

How expensive are these devices?

TRR's cost only $0.50 more than a standard receptacle and can easily be installed by a trained electrician.


TRR's were designed primarily for the safety of small children. Even if you don't have any kids living in your house, you may still be hosting friends' children, grandchildren, nieces & nephews, neighbor kids, etc. Please keep that in mind when deciding whether to upgrade your home's electrical devices!