What Is A Tamper Resistant Receptacle?

Home » How To Tamper Proof Outlets Work » What Is A Tamper Resistant Receptacle?

Maybe your like

Skip to Main Content
        • Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin
Search Facebook X-twitter Youtube Linkedin
  • Home Safety

        • Bring Electrical Safety Home

          Protect your home and family from electrical hazards and fires.

  • Workplace Safety

        • Make Electrical Safety a Business Priority

          Safe work practices are vital to everyone in your business.

  • Disaster Safety

        • Weather the Storm

          New and updated storm safety resources to keep homes and businesses safe during severe weather

  • Kids Safety

        • Elementary Education Resources

          Curiosity is a natural part of childhood learning, but it can be extremely dangerous when it comes to electricity.

  • Programs & Initiatives

        • ESFI's Programs and Initiatives

          Get the latest information on National Electrical Safety Month, Fire Prevention Week and more!

  • Resource Library
What is a Tamper Resistant Receptacle?
  • Posted in Home Safety, Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRR)

TRRs resemble regular receptacles but they’re so much more.  In fact, they provide a permanent solution to childhood shock caused by tampering with electrical outlets. TRRs feature built in safety shutters that block foreign objects from being inserted into the receptacle.

  • TRRs required by the National Electrical Code since 2008
  • Internal shutters block foreign objects from being inserted into the outlet.

Shutters will remain closed if an object is inserted into one side of the receptacle. The shutters open only when a 2 bladed or grounded plug is inserted.

Do TRRs require special instructions to use?

TRRs work like normal outlets. When you plug into a TRR for the first time, you may be able to feel the internal shutter system engaging. If excessive force is needed to insert a plug into a TRR, there’s a chance that the plug, not the receptacle, is damaged

If a plug’s blade is bent or splayed, carefully straighten out the blades.  This allows each prong to contact the shutters simultaneously and therefore engage them as designed.

If a plug is damaged and has a sharp edge or uneven blade tip, the plug will need to be replaced. Inserting damaged plugs into any receptacle may cause additional damage. 

Never use a plug with cracks or creases on the blades in any receptacle.

GFCIs, AFCIs, and TRRs are required in all new and renovated homes. Remember, all outlet installations should be performed by a qualified electrician. 

  • In: Home Safety, Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRR)
  • Popular Tags: Home Safety Devices, TRR

Related News & Resources

Avoid Unsafe Electrical Adapters

Know the Dangers of Using Unsafe Adapters on Electrical Outlets The average American home has around 70 receptacles outlets and...
  • Learn More
  • Download

How to Use GFCIs

Protect Yourself from Electric Shocks Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are available as circuit breakers and receptacles. Since the introduction of...
  • Learn More
  • Download

Your Guide to Buying Electronics

Safety First: A Gift Giving Guide from ESFI Know Where to Buy: Buy electronics from reputable retailers, in-store or online,...
  • Learn More
  • Download

Sign up for our Newsletter

Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with our new content. The newsletter features topical electrical safety materials and free-to-share resources you can use throughout your community.

"*" indicates required fields

PhoneThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Email* Enroll* Workplace Safety Newsletter Consumer Electrical Safety Newsletter This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Δ

Facebook X-twitter Youtube Linkedin Home Safety Workplace Safety Disaster Safety Kids Safety

Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)1300 17th Street North, Suite 900, Arlington, Virginia 22209Tel 703-841-3229 Fax 703-841-3329

© 2026 All Rights Reserved

Tag » How To Tamper Proof Outlets Work