Thread: Tamper resistent electrical outlets

I am confused regarding tamper resistant electrical outlets - are they mandatory in new dwelling units now?

New house was built. I was told that all electrical outlets must be tamper resistant as per code in WA state? Even GFCI has to be tamper resistant?

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Originally Posted by Robert Gaspy

I am confused regarding tamper resistant electrical outlets - are they mandatory in new dwelling units now? New house was built. I was told that all electrical outlets must be tamper resistant as per code in WA state? Even GFCI has to be tamper resistant?

Hi Robert,

I believe the requirement is/was new in the 2014 NEC. I don't know when TR showed up in the IRC. Is WA state enforcing the 2014 NEC? CA starts enforcing it Jan. 1, 2017. Call your local building department to find out what code is currently being enforced.

As I recall, 210.52 requires TR outlets at most interior and exterior locations, including garages, bathrooms & kitchens. Exceptions are for receptacle outlets for appliances that are generally not moved (my assumption would be dishwashers, refrigerators, etc.). I believe NFPA has a free online access to the code if you don't have one.

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

Hi Robert,

I believe the requirement is/was new in the 2014 NEC. I don't know when TR showed up in the IRC. Is WA state enforcing the 2014 NEC? CA starts enforcing it Jan. 1, 2017. Call your local building department to find out what code is currently being enforced.

As I recall, 210.52 requires TR outlets at most interior and exterior locations, including garages, bathrooms & kitchens. Exceptions are for receptacle outlets for appliances that are generally not moved (my assumption would be dishwashers, refrigerators, etc.). I believe NFPA has a free online access to the code if you don't have one.

In my area, Los Angeles County, all of my projects requiring the installation of new or replacing receptacles requires them to be TR.
Wut's up Gunnar... how was your Christmas? (If you celebrate)

Those tamper proof outlets are a pain in the butt. Always difficult to plug something in.

Tamper-resistant receptacles came in the NEC with the 2008 NEC.

Oops. I found it in the 2011 NEC. It isn't 210.52, it's 406.12 in the 2011, 2014 and 2017. Looks like the IRC started requiring them in 2009.

Originally Posted by Marc M

In my area, Los Angeles County, all of my projects requiring the installation of new or replacing receptacles requires them to be TR.
Wut's up Gunnar... how was your Christmas? (If you celebrate)

That would explain why Marc said L.A. requires it.

Christmas was lovely, Marc. Thank you. I had a bit of a head cold, but not so bad that I didn't enjoy myself. And you?

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

Oops. I found it in the 2011 NEC. It isn't 210.52, it's 406.12 in the 2011, 2014 and 2017. Looks like the IRC started requiring them in 2009.



That would explain why Marc said L.A. requires it.

Christmas was lovely, Marc. Thank you. I had a bit of a head cold, but not so bad that I didn't enjoy myself. And you?

Fantastic, thanks. My wife and I cleaned out the garage.. It's crazy the stuff you find when you start moving stuff around. lol
Actually, what "is" crazy is the number of times you re- buy some of the tools etc you thought were lost.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Tamper-resistant receptacles came in the NEC with the 2008 NEC.

correct for residential
2002 pediatric patient care areas
NEC_Article_517_Tamper_Resistant_Receptacles.pdf
now almost any area where children could be

Originally Posted by Marc M

My wife and I cleaned out the garage.

C'mon up and help me clean out mine!

- - - Updated - - -

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Tamper-resistant receptacles came in the NEC with the 2008 NEC.

I didn't find it in the 2008. Must have still been looking in the wrong place.

In CA, that would put it in the 2010 California codes and enforced in 2011. (so confusing! )