Secure Your Home with Tamper-Resistant Outlets

What Is A Tamper Resistant Outlet

As a homeowner in zip code 02907, located in the beautiful city of Cranston in Providence County, Rhode Island, you want to ensure the safety and security of your family and property at all times. To achieve this, you need to be vigilant and take proactive measures such as installing tamper-resistant outlets in your home. Where electrical accidents are unfortunately quite common, it is crucial to have these outlets to prevent potential hazards. This is where B&K Electric comes in – as a family-owned and operated electrical business, we have been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. Our expertise lies in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, and we strive to be your go-to electrician for all your home or business needs in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area.

What are tamper-resistant outlets?

Tamper-resistant outlets, also known as child-proof outlets, are specially designed to prevent accidental electrocution from occurring, particularly in households with young children. These outlets have built-in safety measures that make it difficult for small objects, such as hairpins, keys, or paper clips, to be inserted into the slots and cause shocks or sparks.

In today’s world, where technology is constantly evolving and our homes are filled with various electronic devices, having these safety outlets installed in every room of your house is essential. These outlets are tamper-resistant, not tamper-proof, as no outlet can completely eliminate the risk of electrocution. However, they greatly reduce the chances of it occurring.

How do tamper-resistant outlets work?

Tamper-resistant outlets have a built-in mechanism that blocks the insertion of any foreign objects into the slots. This mechanism consists of two plastic shutters that cover the slots at all times and only open when both slots are being inserted with equal pressure – like when an electrical plug is inserted.

These shutters have springs attached to them, which allow them to open and close quickly. This means that if a child were to try and insert a foreign object into the outlet, the shutters would automatically close and prevent any contact with the electrical current. This feature makes tamper-resistant outlets a permanent and reliable solution to safeguarding your family and property.

Why are tamper-resistant outlets necessary?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, at least seven children die every year due to electrical accidents in the home, with another 2,400 being injured. In addition, around a thousand people are admitted to the hospital every year due to electrical injuries sustained in their own homes. These startling statistics highlight the alarming need for tamper-resistant outlets in all households, especially those with small children.

In today’s world, where we rely heavily on electronic devices for nearly everything we do, the risk of electrical accidents is higher than ever before. Not only can tamper-resistant outlets prevent accidents from occurring, but they also eliminate the need for traditional outlet covers that can be easily removed by curious children and can pose additional risks.

Are tamper-resistant outlets necessary by law?

In the United States, the majority of states have either amended their building codes or are in the process of doing so to make tamper-resistant outlets a mandatory requirement in all newly constructed or renovated homes. The National Electrical Code (NEC) has also included tamper-resistant outlets as a requirement since 2008. In addition, Rhode Island has a state-wide requirement for all new or renovated residential properties to have tamper-resistant outlets installed.

At B&K Electric, we are well-versed in the NEC and state building codes, and our licensed electricians are knowledgeable about adhering to these requirements. When you choose us for your electrical needs, you can rest assured that your home will be up to code and your family will be safe from potential electrical hazards.

How are tamper-resistant outlets different from regular outlets?

The most noticeable difference between tamper-resistant outlets and regular outlets is the plastic shutters that cover the slots. However, there are a few other key differences that make tamper-resistant outlets the safer option:

1. Prong springs: Tamper-resistant outlets have a stronger prong spring mechanism than regular outlets, making it difficult for children to remove an electrical plug once it has been inserted.

2. Child-resistant covers: Outlet covers can be easily removed by children, whereas tamper-resistant outlets have built-in child-resistant features that eliminate the need for covers.

3. Built-in shutters: As mentioned earlier, the plastic shutters in tamper-resistant outlets cover the slots at all times and only open when both slots are being inserted with equal pressure.

In addition, tamper-resistant outlets are made with sturdier materials than regular outlets and are tested and certified by independent laboratories to meet safety requirements.

How can I get tamper-resistant outlets installed in my home?

If you live in Cranston or anywhere in Rhode Island, you can trust B&K Electric to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Our licensed electricians are experts in panel maintenance, repair, and installation of all kinds. We will work with you to assess your home’s electrical needs and make recommendations accordingly. When it comes to tamper-resistant outlets, we take pride in the quality of our work and will ensure that the outlets are installed correctly and functioning properly.

Final thoughts

In today’s world, where electrical hazards are a real danger, tamper-resistant outlets are a necessary addition to every household. They provide a reliable and permanent solution to prevent accidental electrocution, particularly in homes with small children. In addition, they are now a mandatory requirement in building codes, making them essential for any renovated or newly constructed residential property.

So why wait? Contact B&K Electric today and make sure your home in Warwick and the greater Providence area is equipped with tamper-resistant outlets to ensure the safety and security of your loved ones. Don’t compromise on your family’s well-being – trust our experienced electricians to get the job done right.

Topics:

Tamper-resistant outlets,

electrical safety,

child-proof outlets