Tamper-Resistant receptacles look almost exactly like standard outlets, but they feature a built-in safety shutter mechanism. These shutters prevent children from inserting foreign objects—like paperclips, keys, or hairpins—into the energized slots.

The safety shutters inside a TR outlet will only open if two prongs of a plug are inserted simultaneously with equal pressure.

• Safe Use: When you plug in a lamp or appliance, both shutters slide aside easily.
• Child Safety: If a child tries to poke a single object into one side, the shutter remains locked, preventing an electrical shock.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), thousands of children are treated annually for injuries caused by inserting objects into outlets.

Key Benefits:

• Permanent Protection: Unlike plastic "safety caps" that can be forgotten or become choking hazards, TR protection is built directly into the outlet and never needs to be replaced.
• Code Compliance: Upgrading to TR receptacles ensures your home meets modern safety standards (NEC 406.12).
• Reliability: Modern TR outlets are designed to be just as durable as standard outlets, providing years of smooth operation.

While originally required mainly in bedrooms, the code now requires Tamper-Resistant receptacles in nearly all areas of a home, including:

• Living rooms and family rooms
• Kitchens and dining areas
• Bathrooms
• Garages and laundry rooms
• Outdoor locations

You can easily tell if your home is protected by looking at the face of the outlet. Look for the small "TR" or "Tamper Resistant" letters stamped into the plastic between the slots. If you don't see those letters, your outlets likely do not have this built-in safety feature.

Is your home still using old-style outlets? Protect your family by upgrading to Tamper-Resistant receptacles today

Call or Text 703 957 8479   Contact us for a free estimate on your electrical needs!