Child-proof Outlets?

[nwav8tor]

Planning to add new outlets about 45" above the floor in my garage remodel . Is there any new code requirements forcing me to use child-proof outlets or can I still use standard CFCI protected outlets?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[pattenp]

I think they do need to be tamper resistant under NEC 2011 406.12 if mounted lower than 5 1/2 feet. It specifies all areas covered under 210.52 which includes garages.

Edit: You may be exempt since you are not remodeling/renovating.

See link: http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?...esistant electrical receptacles&cookie_test=1

 

[60_Starliner]

I believe the code here for tamper resistant outlets are for new homes and commercial installs. Remodels and replacements do not have to be child/tamper resistant. I was told this by one of my electrical suppliers. But would check with your local code enforcement.

 

[Gooch]

I believe the code here for tamper resistant outlets are for new homes and commercial installs. Remodels and replacements do not have to be child/tamper resistant. I was told this by one of my electrical suppliers. But would check with your local code enforcement.

TR receptacles are not required for commercial buildings, They don't manufacture commercial grade TR's.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Per the link above, "The 2008 National Electrical Code®(NEC®) will require new and renovated dwellings to have tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles." My understanding is the state of Washington is using the 2008 NEC. I don't have a newer book here at home so I don't know if the receptacle requirements changed in the 2011 code, in any case it doesn't apply if WA is still using the 2008 version.

The question is whether the garage is considered a dwelling area...if it's an attached garage I think it probably is but if it's a separate structure it may not be, the local inspector may be the best person to ask.

The tamper resistant receptacles aren't that big a deal anyway - they cost about the same as the old style and you can still plug in a power cord like before, they're just designed to keep kids from sticking paper clips in one slot.

 

[pattenp]

This is from the NFPA link I posted above. Note: "Renovated dwelling"

"What are tamper-resistant electrical receptacles and what is the new requirement?
The 2008 National Electrical Code®(NEC®) will require new and renovated dwellings to have tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles."

 

[60_Starliner]

TR receptacles are not required for commercial buildings, They don't manufacture commercial grade TR's.

Apologize, Gooch you are correct I meant in Business buildings application not commercial application. I miss spoke.

 

[RCman]

...they're just designed to keep kids from sticking paper clips in one slot.

Yeah, now they make it a game & puzzle to move the inside cover/protector over to get something inside, they just need two paper clips. Dumb, IMO.
They are not the same cost in my area either, about 1.5 times the cost of a standard outlet.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I checked prices on the Lowes website, they appear to be in the same price range as the regular ones - depending on the brand, in the range of $1 to $4.

 

[RCman]

TR receptacles are not required for commercial buildings, They don't manufacture commercial grade TR's.

I missed this the first time, but Leviton does do commercial grade TRs.

I checked prices on the Lowes website, they appear to be in the same price range as the regular ones - depending on the brand, in the range of $1 to $4.

Just looked at my quote for my project. Now I'm sure one can find cheaper "throw away" outlets, but I spec'd good outlets and commercial grade in high use areas. GFCI TR are just nuts in cost.

$6.10 (10pack) standard 15Amp
$10.89 (10pack) TR 15Amp
$19.87 (10pack) standard 20Amp
$24.88 (10pack) commercial grade 20Amp
$26.89 (10pack) TR 20Amp
$32.19 (10pack) commercial grade TR 20Amp

Doesn't really matter anyway, they are required by code so you've got to use them. It's just like the AFCI breakers.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Unless you have a power tool with a 20 amp plug on it (and I can't remember the last time I've ever seen one) you may as well stick with the 15 amp receptacles. Duplex 15 amp receptacles are rated for 20 amp feedthrough and can be used on a 20 amp circuit.

 

[RCman]

Really? Eh, that seems hookey to me.
I think I'll stick with the 20 Amp'ers, plus I do have a couple of older tools with the 20 Amp plug end.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Really? Eh, that seems hookey to me.

No, not hookey at all, and completely typical.

When was the last time you saw a 20A/120V plug?
If you really need one, put it in in that location. NO reason at all to put them everywhere (unless you're in Canada that is).

 

[Teken]

(unless you're in Canada that is).

Teken . . .

 

[nwav8tor]

Unless you have a power tool with a 20 amp plug on it (and I can't remember the last time I've ever seen one) you may as well stick with the 15 amp receptacles. Duplex 15 amp receptacles are rated for 20 amp feedthrough and can be used on a 20 amp circuit.

Is that really in the code? I'll definately have to check with my city inspectors if they'll approve it. I naturally thought I'd need 20A outlets on my 20A garage power circuits...

Paul

 

[pattenp]

That is absolutely correct about the 15A outlets on a 20A circuit..

Is that really in the code? I'll definately have to check with my city inspectors if they'll approve it. I naturally thought I'd need 20A outlets on my 20A garage power circuits...

Paul

 

[Stuart in MN]

Is that really in the code? I'll definately have to check with my city inspectors if they'll approve it. I naturally thought I'd need 20A outlets on my 20A garage power circuits...

Paul

Yes, it's covered in article 210-21 of the NEC. Note that it's for two or more receptacles or outlets, and a standard duplex receptacle counts as two.

edit: Yes, this is for the US only - I can't vouch for Canada or any other country. It's also possible there are local or state regulations that override the NEC; I'm not aware of any but you'll have to confirm that.