We will be going over some of the new children safety devices on the market. We are going to do this is several article and videos over the next few months. If you have any comments or suggestions we would love to hear.
Electrical outlets video:
Tamper resistant receptacles, power strips, and surge suppressors, are designed to be safer then the old fashion outlet covers, or the newer slide-over covers. Currently the new codes in the US and Canada are requiring them in area of the home, as well as child-care facilities, rental properties, doctors offices, just to name a few. In addition the UL has approved these devices, Click here for the report. Check your local codes, because many municipalities do not adopt NEC code updates when they are issued, and some have their own codes. But if you're going to remolded or build a new home, you should consider these receptacles in your budget. Just to be safety you should go ahead and replace the receptacles and power strips in your home, more so, if you have small children.
How do these tamper-resistance receptacles work? Inside the face of the receptacle is a spring-loaded safety shutter. Under normal, unused conditions, the shutters are closed, and both contact openings are covered. When inserting a grounded or ungrounded plug, the blades of the plug simultaneously enter the receptacle and open the shutters. When the plug is removed, the shutters instantly close, covering the receptacle openings. See my video on a quick demonstration.
