Training Electricians on Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

Many of today’s American homes were built in 1977, and as such, the majority can’t handle the demands of today’s electrical appliances and devices, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).

With electrical malfunctions accounting for 35,000 home fires, which cause more than 1,130 injuries, 500 deaths, and $1.4 billion in property damage, the ESFI commemorates May as National Electrical Safety Month. For 2020, the nonprofit association is focusing on the smart home and those devices that keep a home smart, safe, and secure.

For example, ESFI posted the below video showing how an electrician upgraded the electrical outlets in a family’s home:

As part of its new safety campaign, ESFI released an online kit with fact sheets, safety tips, and social media content. Electrical contractors can share this information with their customers to help to prevent house fires and to improve the electrical safety of their home.

For example, electrical contractors can help to spread awareness about the need for tamper resistant receptacles (TRRs) within homes. Since 2008, the National Electrical Code has required the installation of these receptacles in these areas of new homes—bathrooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways, garages, family rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, living rooms, and the outdoors.

About 2,850 children a year suffer from severe shocks and burns when they stick items into the slots of electrical receptacles, according to ESFI. About 40% of these receptacle injuries are caused by a bobby pin, while 21% result from fingers and 12% stem from keys being stuck into an outlet. By installing TRRs, however, electricians can help to protect children from electrical shocks and burns not only in homes during construction, but also in existing homes as part of a renovation.

For example, ESFI created the following video to promote awareness for the need for TRRs in homes with small children:

For more information, and to view the free resources that are available to electrical contractors during National Electrical Safety Month, visit the website.