Code Q&A

Nov. 5, 2009

Tamper-resistant receptacle requirements

Q. When are tamper-resistant receptacles required?

A. The rule for tamper-resistant receptacles applies only to dwelling units. All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles required in the following areas of a dwelling unit [210.52] must be listed as tamper-resistant [406.11]:

Wall space — 210.52(A)
Small-appliance circuit — 210.52(B)
Countertop space — 210.52(C)
Bathroom area — 210.52(D)
Outdoors — 210.52(E)
Laundry area — 210.52(F)
Basement, garage, and outbuildings — 210.52(G)
Hallways — 210.52(H)

Note: See 517.18(C) for tamper-resistant hospital-grade receptacles installed in pediatric locations in a general care area of a health-care facility.

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.