The End Of Plastic Outlet Plugs

You know those little plastic plugs that go in outlets to keep kids from sticking stuff in and getting a shock?  I can’t stand ‘em.  No home inspector can because they make it a big hassle to test outlets.  I did a quick poll (two people), and as it turns out, nobody likes them.  In fact, studies have shown that most two-year-olds can remove the plastic plugs, so they’re not really all that great to start with.  I have good news – they will soon be a thing of the past.

The 2008 National Electric Code (NEC) required all new or renovated outlets in homes to be tamper-resistant.  That’s right, no more annoying child-safety plugs.  This new requirement has already gone into effect in Minnesota, and these are the only outlets allowed in new construction homes today.  Tamper-resistant outlets are designed so that if you try to insert an object into just one of the slots, it won’t go in.  They will only accept a standard plug.

I’m currently in the process of replacing all of the outlets in my house with tamper-resistant outlets.  This way I won’t have to worry about my toddler trying to stick stuff in the outlets.  Tamper-resistant outlets cost about three times as much as standard outlets, but it’s a small price to pay for the convenience of not having to deal with plastic plugs and to make sure your outlets are safer for children.  Click the video below for a demonstration of these great devices.

Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech Home Inspections – Email – Home Inspector Minneapolis