Annually, the insertion of foreign objects into electrical receptacles ends in injuries to several children. Almost Ninety percent of these events concerned youngsters under Six, with 1st and 2nd degree burns accounting for the overwhelming majority of wounds. But now the technology is available to help reduce the likelihood of injury.
The characteristic foreign-object insertion situation involves :
A 2 or Three year old child ( Half of all events )
A situation happening at home
Insertion of a hairpin or key
First or Second degree burn to fingers
Emotional injury to the child and parents
Treatment required in a trauma room
Beside hairpins or keys, other common objects inserted by youngsters include fingers, pins, wires, screws, nails, paper clips, plugs, tweezers, paper clips, utensils and jewellery.
To help prevent these insertion events and wounds, the most generally used electrical codes call for a new electric safety feature in all new houses tamper-resistant receptacles. This code change basically influences new construction ; nonetheless tamper-resistant receptacles can be added in existing houses too.
Tamper-resistant receptacle technology uses a built in system to prevent a foreign object from touching electrically live components when the object is inserted into the receptacle slots. There are a few methods to achieve tamper-resistance operation, the commonest being the use of a spring-loaded shutter mechanism. When the receptacle isn't in use, the shutters are closed, and all electrical contacts are covered. Upon inserting of a plug, the blades of the plug simultaneously compress the shutters against the spring. This simultaneous force causes the screens to slide apart to access to the receptacle contacts, allowing the plug to be absolutely inserted into the receptacle. When the plug is removed, the screens instantly close, covering the contact openings.
Standard plugs can be inserted in and removed from a tamperproof receptacle in a similar manner as standard electric outlets ; nonetheless insertion of an object into one slot, or uneven insertion is prevented. The tamper-resistant features , however, don't provide defense against the concurrent insertion of two single-pronged items. Determined adults and adolescents could also bypass the tamperproof mechanisms if significant force is applied.
Unlike plastic outlet caps and other add-on childproofing devices, which can sometimes be removed, tamper-resistant receptacles provide permanent protection. In addition, some add on devices can simply be pulled out by children and have also shown to be a choking hazard due to their tiny size. Some other sorts of add-on devices create a chance of arcing or overheating thanks to a partly exposed plug or reduced plug / receptacle contact surface.
All tamper-resistant receptacles must have either the words "Tamper Resistant" or the letters "TR" on the device in a manner that allows the label to be reviewed with the wall plate removed.
Additional info about tamper-resistant receptacles can be found at the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association Safety website : www.childoutletsafety.org, the Electrical Safety Foundation International internet site : www.esfi.org, and the Safe Kids Canada website : www.safekidscanada.ca.
Note : These tips are only general guiding principles. Since every circumstance is different, contact a pro if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and upkeep information is available on the net at
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