Securing Your Home: Tamper Resistant Outlet Benefits | B&K Electric

Difference Between Tamper Resistant Outlets

As a homeowner in zip code 02910, Cranston Providence, Rhode Island, there are countless responsibilities that come with maintaining your property. One crucial aspect of homeownership is ensuring that your electrical system is up to code and operating safely. While most of us know the basics of electrical safety, such as not overloading outlets and using extension cords responsibly, there is one vital element that many of us may not be aware of – tamper resistant outlets.

At B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, we have been serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. We specialize in electrical repair, electrical panel maintenance, and installation, and we are passionate about educating homeowners on the importance of tamper resistant outlets. In this article, we will explore what exactly tamper resistant outlets are, why they are crucial for your home, and how you can upgrade to this essential safety feature.

Understanding Tamper Resistant Outlets

Tamper resistant outlets, also known as TRR outlets, are outlets with built-in safety mechanisms that prevent foreign objects from being inserted into the slots of the outlet. These outlets have been a requirement in all new homes built in the United States since 2008, according to the National Electrical Code. TRR outlets are designed with spring-loaded shutters that only open when equal pressure is applied to both slots. This means that if an object such as a paperclip or hairpin is inserted into one slot, the shutter will remain shut, preventing accidental electrocution.

The Importance of Tamper Resistant Outlets

You may be wondering why it is necessary to have these types of outlets in your home when you already practice electrical safety measures. The reality is, accidents happen, and curious children are often the victims of electrocution due to playing with outlets and inserting objects into them. In the US, an average of seven children per day are treated in emergency rooms due to electrical injuries, highlighting the severity and frequency of these incidents. Tamper resistant outlets provide an extra layer of protection, preventing these accidents from occurring in the first place.

Moreover, tamper resistant outlets are also crucial for protecting your property. Faulty or malfunctioning outlets can lead to electrical fires, and in the United States, electrical fires account for over 51,000 fires per year, causing an average of 500 deaths and over 1,400 injuries. TRR outlets are designed to minimize the risk of electrical fires, providing homeowners with peace of mind and added protection for their property.

Upgrading to Tamper Resistant Outlets

Now that we understand the importance of tamper resistant outlets, the next step is to ensure that your home is equipped with them. If your home was built before 2008, it is likely that your outlets are not tamper resistant. However, upgrading to TRR outlets is a relatively simple process that can be completed by a licensed electrician like B&K Electric.

The process of upgrading to TRR outlets involves replacing your current outlets with TRR ones, which can be done in a few hours, depending on the size of your home. It is an affordable and effective solution to protect your family and property from electrical hazards.

At B&K Electric, we are committed to providing top-quality electrical services to the residents of Warwick and the greater Providence area. We are licensed, insured, and dedicated to ensuring that our clients’ homes are safe and up to code. If you are looking for a licensed electrician to upgrade your home to tamper resistant outlets, make us your go-to option.

Closing considerations

Safety is a top priority, and as homeowners, it is our responsibility to ensure that our property is equipped with necessary safety measures. Tamper resistant outlets are an essential aspect of electrical safety, preventing accidents from happening and protecting our family and property. With the help of a licensed electrician, upgrading to TRR outlets is a straightforward and affordable way to add an extra layer of protection to your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late – make the switch to tamper resistant outlets today and ensure the safety of your loved ones and property.

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