Yes, non-tamper-resistant outlets, also known as non-TR outlets, are still made and sold. Tamper-resistant outlets, sometimes called TR outlets, are designed with shutters that block access to the contact points when a plug is partially inserted to help prevent accidental shocks and electrocutions. However, non-tamper-resistant outlets without this safety feature are still available.
Page Contents
- 0.1 What are tamper-resistant outlets?
- 0.2 When did tamper-resistant outlets become a requirement?
- 0.3 Are non-tamper-resistant outlets still sold?
- 1 Reasons Non-Tamper-Resistant Outlets Are Still Sold
- 2 Are Non-Tamper-Resistant Outlets Legal in Residential Construction?
- 3 Are Non-Tamper-Resistant Outlets Safe?
- 4 Conclusion
What are tamper-resistant outlets?
Tamper-resistant electrical outlets have a built-in safety mechanism intended to prevent children from inserting foreign objects into the slots. Inside each slot is a pair of spring-loaded shutters. When a plug is inserted, both shutters are pressed back simultaneously, exposing the contact points and allowing electricity to flow. If something small is inserted that doesn’t press back both shutters, they remain closed and no electrical contact is made.
When did tamper-resistant outlets become a requirement?
In 2008, the National Electrical Code began requiring tamper-resistant outlets in new home construction and renovations. The Code made tamper-resistant outlets mandatory in the following locations:
| All 125 volt, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles installed in dwelling units |
| Outlets located where children are likely to be present, like playrooms, kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, and bathrooms |
This requirement applies to all new wiring and replacement outlets, with some exceptions for appliance-specific outlets. The goal was to reduce the risk of severe shocks and electrocutions, especially in children.
Are non-tamper-resistant outlets still sold?
Yes, standard non-tamper-resistant outlets are still manufactured and sold in home improvement stores. However, they cannot be used in new residential construction or any locations covered by the National Electrical Code tamper-resistant outlet requirements.
Non-TR outlets are still commonly used in commercial and industrial settings not covered by the NEC residential code. They are also still permitted for replacing existing outlets in older homes that have not been significantly renovated. However, many electricians recommend replacing old non-TR outlets with tamper-resistant ones for added safety.
Reasons Non-Tamper-Resistant Outlets Are Still Sold
There are a few reasons why traditional, non-tamper-resistant electrical outlets continue to be sold:
Commercial and industrial applications
Non-TR outlets are frequently used in office buildings, factories, warehouses, and other commercial and industrial sites where the NEC residential tamper-resistant requirements do not apply. Their lower cost makes them attractive for large facilities.
Older homes
Homeowners doing minor repairs or replacements in older homes built before 2008 are not necessarily required to swap non-TR outlets for tamper-resistant models. Non-TR outlets can still be purchased for maintenance and repair in these houses. However, upgrades to more protective tamper-resistant outlets are recommended when possible.
Special outlet needs
Some specialized outlets, like those designed solely for large appliances, are exempt from tamper-resistant requirements. Non-TR models of these special outlets intended for dedicated equipment are still made.
Lower cost
Standard non-tamper-resistant outlets are generally less expensive than tamper-resistant models. Although the price difference is usually only $1-2 per outlet, this adds up in large installations and provides incentive for continued availability of non-TR models.
Lingering supply
When new regulations take effect, retailers often have remaining supply of previously compliant products like non-tamper-resistant outlets. Some of this lingering inventory continues to be sold for a period even after new rules come into force.
Are Non-Tamper-Resistant Outlets Legal in Residential Construction?
Non-tamper-resistant electrical outlets cannot legally be used in most residential wiring situations, thanks to NEC and building code requirements. However, you can still purchase them, and they can be legally installed in some specific circumstances.
New Home Construction
Since 2008, code requires tamper-resistant outlets in all areas of new dwelling units, including all bathrooms, kitchens, basements, bedrooms, hallways, and outdoor outlets. Non-TR outlets cannot be substituted. There are a few exceptions for appliance-only outlets.
Renovations and Remodels
When remodeling or upgrading an area of a home built after 2008, any installed outlets must be tamper-resistant. All replacement outlets in older homes should also be TR, even if not strictly required. Major kitchen or bath overhauls usually require updated tamper-resistant outlets.
Repairs and Replacements
For minor repairs, non-TR outlets can often still be used to replace existing non-TR models in older homes built before 2008 code changes. However, tamper-resistant are strongly recommended for safety, especially in homes with children. Many jurisdictions prohibit re-installing non-TR outlets during any repairs.
Outdoor Outlets
Outdoor outlets installed in dwellings are required to be tamper-resistant, regardless of when the home was built. However, some specific types of outdoor outlets designed for appliances are exempt.
Commercial and Industrial Sites
Non-residential applications like offices, factories, and warehouses are exempt from tamper-resistant outlet requirements. Non-TR outlets can still be installed in these locations.
Are Non-Tamper-Resistant Outlets Safe?
Non-tamper-resistant electrical outlets that lack protective shutters have some safety risks that should be considered carefully:
Shock Hazards
It’s possible for children to suffer severe shocks by inserting objects like paperclips, keys, and staples into the slots on non-TR outlets. The shuttered design of tamper-resistant outlets blocks this contact and prevents shocks.
Electrocutions
Tragically, non-TR outlets have contributed to the electrocutions of small children who have been able to insert objects into the slots. Shutters on tamper-resistant outlets are specifically designed to avoid this danger to young children.
Fires
Inserting conductive material into a non-TR outlet can also result in electrical shorts, arcing and extreme heat that can ignite nearby combustible material, posing a fire hazard. The safety shutters on TR outlets prevent this.
Damaged Outlets
An outlet damaged by an inserted object may no longer function properly or safely. Tamper-resistant shutters protect the internal contacts from being bent, damaged, or misaligned.
Reduced Risks
Replacing non-TR outlets with tamper-resistant models significantly reduces the risks of shock, electrocution, fire, and outlet damage, especially in homes with infants and children.
Conclusion
Although non-tamper-resistant electrical outlets are still produced and sold, regulations prohibit their use in most new home wiring and residential renovations as of 2008. Tamper-resistant outlets with internal shutters are now required in nearly all dwelling unit locations to prevent Electrocution, shocks, and fires from inserted objects.
Non-TR outlets can potentially still be used legally for minor repairs in older homes if local codes allow. But for optimal safety, especially in homes with children, upgrading to tamper-resistant outlets is highly recommended whenever possible. Outside of dwellings, non-TR outlets remain common for commercial and industrial sites not covered by residential safety codes.