Do all outlets need to be tamper resistant?
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.
Do kitchen outlets 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.
Are tamper resistant bathroom receptacles required?
Yes. According to 406.12, all non-locking type 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in the following areas of a dwelling unit [210.52] must be listed as tamper-resistant: Wall space — 210.52(A)
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.
Where are tamper proof receptacles required?
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).
Are tamper resistant outlets child proof?
Tamper-resistant outlets reduce the risk of electrical injuries, but they are not completely tamper-proof. Unfortunately, some people believe that tamper-resistant outlets are “child proof” when they are not. Tamper-resistant outlets do not prevent children from imitating adults and inserting plugs into outlets.
What is code for outlets in kitchens?
In kitchens, electrical outlets should be placed no farther than 48 inches apart, so that no point on the countertop is more than 24 inches away from a receptacle. Any countertop 12 inches wide or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop.
Do all kitchen outlets need to be GFCI protected?
Not all your kitchen outlets need to be the GFCIs, but they are required to be if they’re within six feet of a kitchen sink or if they serve a countertop. Near laundry room sinks. Any receptacles within 6 feet of a sink or washing machine should be GFCIs.
What is the purpose of tamper proof receptacles?
TRRs resemble regular receptacles but they’re so much more. In fact, they provide a permanent solution to childhood shock caused by tampering with electrical outlets. TRRs feature built in safety shutters that block foreign objects from being inserted into the receptacle.
How do you plug in a child proof outlet?
These outlets do not require the strength or knowledge required to operate most other child proof devices. In order to insert a plug into the receptacle, simply apply equal pressure to both sides simultaneously (as you would normally do) which allows the receptacle’s cover plate to open.
Is tamper resistant outlet the same as GFCI?
There are two ways to keep your outlets safe: tamper-resistant (TR) outlets and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Outlets with a TR and GFCI rating are the safest outlets that you can install in your home, as they protect against potential electric shock.
When did the NEC require tamper resistant receptacles?
Here is what the 2011 NEC says about TRRs in dwelling units, along with general installation requirements: 406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in Dwelling Units. All non-locking type 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in the following areas of a dwelling unit [210.52] must be listed as tamper-resistant.
Do GFCI outlets need tamper resistant?
With the latest code yes even gfci protected outlets require the tamper resistance feature. In fact outdoor gfci outlets that are weather resistant or stamped WR need the tamper resistant feature also.
Does California require tamper resistant outlets?
Not Having Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
Believe it or not, these are now required in all locations, both indoors and out, via national electrical codes, and for good reason: the fact that a curious child can’t accidentally stick something like a paperclip into an outlet and unknowingly shock themselves.
What is the code for electrical outlets in California?
Electrical receptacle outlets on branch circuits of 30 amperes or less and communication system receptacles shall be located no more than 48 inches (1219 mm) measured from the top of the receptacle outlet box nor less than 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the bottom of the receptacle outlet box to the level of the
What is the current California Electrical Code?
The 2022 California Electrical Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 3 is based on the 2020 edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC)—the widely used code containing safety requirements for electrical wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding, and installation.
Are GFCI outlets required in California?
GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.
Where are GFCI not required?
GFCI protection is not required for receptacles that are not readily accessible, such as a ceiling-mounted receptacle for a garage door opener. Nor are they required for a receptacle on a dedicated branch circuit located and identified for a cord-and-plug-connected appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer.
Where are GFCI receptacles required?
The NEC mandates GFCI protection in many areas of the home: bathrooms, garages, outdoor receptacles, crawl spaces, basements, kitchens and anything within six feet of a sink or water source. While that may seem like a lot, the entirety of a home is not covered.
