Tamper Resistant Outlets: A Must-Have for Every Home Owner

Difference Between Tamper Resistant Outlets

Being a home owner comes with a long list of responsibilities. From regular maintenance to ensuring the safety and security of your loved ones, there’s always something to think about. One crucial aspect of maintaining a safe home is ensuring the proper functioning of electrical outlets. With electricity being a vital part of our daily lives, it’s crucial to invest in outlets that provide the necessary protection and security for you and your family.

As a licensed electrician serving the North Providence, Rhode Island area for over seventeen years, B&K Electric understands the importance of keeping your home safe and secure. Our expert team specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation for homes and businesses in Warwick and the greater Providence area. In this article, we’ll be discussing the difference between standard outlets and tamper resistant outlets and why the latter is a must-have for every home owner.

The Basics of Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets, also known as sockets or receptacles, are an essential part of every home. It is where your electronic devices and appliances get the necessary power to function. The standard outlet, also known as a non-tamper resistant outlet, has been the go-to option for many homeowners for decades. It consists of two vertical slots and one round grounding hole, with one slot being slightly larger than the other.

Standard outlets are designed to provide electricity only when both slots are in contact with the respective prongs on a device’s plug. This design has been in use since the early 1900s, and while it has served its purpose well, it also comes with certain risks, especially for younger children.

The Importance of Tamper Resistant Outlets

As a parent, the safety and well-being of your children are always a top priority. With the average household having numerous electronic devices, it’s no wonder that children are often tempted to play with outlets. Unfortunately, the consequences can be severe, with hundreds of children being treated for electrical injuries every year.

This is where tamper resistant outlets come in. These outlets look exactly like standard ones, but with an added safety feature. The slots are designed with spring-loaded shutters that close off the openings when not in use. They only open when equal, simultaneous pressure is applied to both slots, such as when a plug is inserted.

The shutters in tamper resistant outlets are an excellent deterrent for children, preventing them from sticking objects or their fingers into the slots and potentially getting shocked. This additional safety feature has made tamper resistant outlets a must-have for homes with young children.

The Benefits of Tamper Resistant Outlets

Aside from the obvious safety benefits, there are other reasons why tamper resistant outlets are an excellent investment for your home. For one, they are relatively inexpensive, with only a slight price difference compared to standard outlets. Plus, they are easy to install, making the switch from standard outlets to tamper resistant ones a quick and hassle-free process.

Tamper resistant outlets are also compatible with all electronic devices and appliances, so you won’t have to worry about any compatibility issues. And since they look exactly like standard outlets, there’s no need to worry about any changes affecting the aesthetic of your home.

Furthermore, tamper resistant outlets provide an added layer of protection against electrical fires. Faulty outlets are one of the leading causes of residential electrical fires, and the shutters in tamper resistant outlets can prevent sparks from coming into contact with any flammable materials.

In addition to these safety and practical benefits, tamper resistant outlets can also add value to your home. As more and more homeowners are becoming aware of their many benefits, tamper resistant outlets have become a sought-after feature in homes, making your property more attractive to potential buyers.

As a responsible home owner, investing in tamper resistant outlets is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and added safety they provide. B&K Electric, your trusted and reliable electrician in the North Providence area, can assist you with the installation of tamper resistant outlets in your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late – make the switch today and ensure the safety of your loved ones.

Topics:

Tamper resistant outlets,

electrical safety,

home security