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.
- TRRs required by the National Electrical Code since 2008
- Internal shutters block foreign objects from being inserted into the outlet.
Shutters will remain closed if an object is inserted into one side of the receptacle. The shutters open only when a 2 bladed or grounded plug is inserted.
Do TRRs require special instructions to use?
TRRs work like normal outlets.
When you plug into a TRR for the first time, you may be able to feel the internal shutter system engaging. If excessive force is needed to insert a plug into a TRR, there’s a chance that the plug, not the receptacle, is damaged
If a plug’s blade is bent or splayed, carefully straighten out the blades. This allows each prong to contact the shutters simultaneously and therefore engage them as designed.
If a plug is damaged and has a sharp edge or uneven blade tip, the plug will need to be replaced. Inserting damaged plugs into any receptacle may cause additional damage.
Never use a plug with cracks or creases on the blades in any receptacle.
GFCIs, AFCIs, and TRRs are required in all new and renovated homes. Remember, all outlet installations should be performed by a qualified electrician.
<span "font-size:13.0pt;font-family:helvetica;="" mso-bidi-font-family:arial"="">Starting in 2008, the National Electrical Code®(NEC®) required new and renovated dwellings to have tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles. These receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that close off the contact openings, or slots, of the receptacles. Although the NEC has required TR receptacles since 2008 this does not always mean that all homes built after that year will have them. It all depends on the local adoption of the code by your city, township or municipality. As a home inspector I see new homes with out TR receptacles because many areas have chosen to not adopt this section or have modified the code. This type of receptacles does cost more and builders have been upset about being required to put them in their homes and this could be the reason that some areas are not requiring them.
<span "font-size:13.0pt;font-family:helvetica;="" mso-bidi-font-family:arial"="">When a plug is inserted into the receptacle, both springs are compressed and the shutters then open, allowing for the metal prongs to make contact to create an electrical circuit. Because both springs must be compressed at the same time, the shutters do not open when a child attempts to insert an object into only one contact opening, and there is no contact with electricity. Many feel that tamper- resistant receptacles are an important next step to making the home a safer place for children.
<span "font-size:13.0pt;font-family:helvetica;="" mso-bidi-font-family:arial"="">If you do have TR receptacles you will notice that it can be difficult to insert the blades of a plug into the receptacle at first. As that receptacle is used more it will become easier to insert plugs as the TR device loosens with use.
I recall my mother telling the story about when I was around 5 years old and I stuck a car key into an outlet. She said I only did it once! Oh, and my baby crib was painted with lead based paint too!