Questions about tamper resistant receptacles

[impalatom]

I am in the process of wiring a new detached garage. I understand that the 15 amp 120 volt receptacles must be tamper resistant variety, but it got me to thinking about the 20 amp 240 volt receptacle that I need for my small Craftsman air compressor. I have checked everywhere and I can find no tamper resistant version. I checked with an electrician friend who has given me a few pointers and he said he did not recall ever seeing a tamper proof version. I just went to a local supply house who carries Leviton brand. When I asked if it is possible to get a tamper resistant 20 A 240 V receptacle, they could not find anything in the catalog.

So, I have 2 questions that I hope someone can help me with.

1. Is there such a thing as a tamper resistant 20 A 240 V receptacle?
2. If not, is it logical I can pass an inspection with TR 15 Amp 120 Volt duplex receptacles but a standard 20 Amp 240 Volt receptacle that is not tamper resistant?

 

[Richard Cranium]

first of all, Welcome to the group,
Please up date your profile to include your state and your city if you would like.
I have never seen or heard of a 20-240 volt receptacle (not saying there is not one.)
So pretty sure that you would pass your inspection. (if not ask the inspector to advise you to where you would get the monster at.)

 

[WhiffySpark]

Home Depot sells them but not tamper resistant. I never saw one in my searches

 

[Stuart in MN]

The tamper resistant requirement only applies to 120vac, 15 or 20 amp receptacles.

 

[checkthisout]

The tamper resistant requirement only applies to 120vac, 15 or 20 amp receptacles.

I 2nd this.

 

[dw1]

I am in the process of wiring a new detached garage. I understand that the 15 amp 120 volt receptacles must be tamper resistant variety, but it got me to thinking about the 20 amp 240 volt receptacle that I need for my small Craftsman air compressor. I have checked everywhere and I can find no tamper resistant version. I checked with an electrician friend who has given me a few pointers and he said he did not recall ever seeing a tamper proof version. I just went to a local supply house who carries Leviton brand. When I asked if it is possible to get a tamper resistant 20 A 240 V receptacle, they could not find anything in the catalog.

So, I have 2 questions that I hope someone can help me with.

1. Is there such a thing as a tamper resistant 20 A 240 V receptacle?
2. If not, is it logical I can pass an inspection with TR 15 Amp 120 Volt duplex receptacles but a standard 20 Amp 240 Volt receptacle that is not tamper resistant?

I corrected my original reply:
Q. Where are tamper-resistant receptacles required?

A. All nonlocking type 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in the following areas of a dwelling unit [210.52] must be listed as tamper-resistant [406.12].

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)
Garage and outbuildings — 210.52(G)
Hallways — 210.52(H)
Exception: Receptacles in the following locations aren’t required to be tamper-resistant:

Receptacles located more than 5½ ft above the floor.
Receptacles that are part of a luminaire or appliance.
A receptacle located within dedicated space for an appliance that in normal use isn’t easily moved from one place to another.
Nongrounding receptacles used for replacements as permitted in 406.4(D)(2)(a).
Nonlocking type 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in guest rooms and guest suites must be listed as tamper-resistant [406.13]. In addition, nonlocking type 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in child care facilities must be listed as tamper-resistant [406.14].

 

[impalatom]

Thanks much for your replies. Not being an electrician it is a bit confusing understanding the logic behind the idea that the 120 volt receptacles must be TR but the 240 volt receptacle is OK not being TR. I suppose if you have 15 120 volt receptacles that are TR and only 2 240 volt receptacles that are not, there are much lower odds that a child would happen to choose an unprotected 240 volt receptacle to stick something into it.

I think I will get a couple of those exterior cover plates that have the spring loaded access door and install them on the 240 volt receptacles. Maybe that would help keep any kiddies from sticking something into them when not in use. No kids in our house but maybe it would help any future owners with kids.

 

[sberry]

There are so few 240 in residential, they usually have something installed.

 

[Stuart in MN]

There are so few 240 in residential, they usually have something installed.

This. Most residential properties don't have open 240vac receptacles for welders or other large electrical equipment around the place, so they weren't included in the code change. (Most likely if they have one at all, it's for an electric stove and that one is hidden behind the stove where kids can't get to it anyway.)

 

[justsam]

If the motor on that compressor is rated over 3 HP you can not be using plug and receptacle anyway, since it must be hardwired. TR issue goes away.

If the inspector is on his/her game, they will catch this.

 

[impalatom]

If the motor on that compressor is rated over 3 HP you can not be using plug and receptacle anyway, since it must be hardwired. TR issue goes away.

If the inspector is on his/her game, they will catch this.

If the compressor comes with a plug, I don't understand why it would have to be hard wired. It is a portable compressor on wheels. If the compressor is not in the garage when inspected what would the inspector do in that case?

 

[djjsr]

The compressor might be dual voltage, 120 or 240. Check the manual or motor plate.

 

[justsam]

If the compressor comes with a plug, I don't understand why it would have to be hard wired. It is a portable compressor on wheels. If the compressor is not in the garage when inspected what would the inspector do in that case?

If it is portable equipment, and it came as an assembly with the existing cord and plug, than I would just match the receptacle to the plug and be done.

 

[condition001]

Hi all,

I know I'm bringing an OLD thread back, but I wanted to update it with the latest information, as I referred to this thread and got the wrong information about a month ago.

I recently installed a multi-wire branch circuit in my garage with a combination of 125V and 250V 20A outlets in conduit at about 4' from the ground on the wall behind my workbench. In addition to the whole thing needing to be on a 240V GFCI breaker, my inspector (Idaho, 2017 NEC) required them ALL to be tamper-resistant. After much searching, I found that Leviton carries the 20A250V in TR (though it's a bit hard to find).

The part number (for white) is w5461-t0w. I ended up purchasing online from Gordon Electric, as none of the big box stores stock this unicorn.

Hope this helps someone in the future!

 

[ttpete]

I have a 240v wall outlet that originally was for a through-wall air conditioner. The receptacle has 2 horizontal slots and is in a box the same size as for a 120 duplex receptacle. There's no ground pin (old work). It's disconnected now.

 

[mobetta]

yes some of the new codes calls for TR and GFCI protection beyond what I see as reasonable.

20 amp 240v is pretty darn common IMHO.
-.-