Childproof receptacle inserts

[bcr69s]

Recent auditors at a medical clinic in Pennsylvania have told my customer that childproof receptacle covers are required in the public areas. Is there a code requirement that covers this. I can't seem to find one.

 

[tom baker]

Perhaps the auditor means tamper proof receptacles. Childproof receptacle covers are not a defined item in the NEC. Ask the Auditor for a document reference.

 

[infinity]

Recent auditors at a medical clinic in Pennsylvania have told my customer that childproof receptacle covers are required in the public areas. Is there a code requirement that covers this. I can't seem to find one.

You'll need clarification. The word childproof isn't in the NEC. Sounds like they meant tamper resistant receptacles as Tom mentioned or maybe they'll accept a cover if the existing receptacles are not tamper resistant.

 

[hillbilly1]

I read it as they are allowing the plastic plug inserts.

 

[tom baker]

I read it as they are allowing the plastic plug inserts.

Certainly easier than TR

 

[ModbusMan]

Certainly easier than TR

And a lot less frustrating... when they work as designed, no big deal. But so many times I've had to either insert at an angle, or apply force unequally, or..... to get the plastic slides to get out of each others' ways and allow the plug in

 

[garbo]

Recent auditors at a medical clinic in Pennsylvania have told my customer that childproof receptacle covers are required in the public areas. Is there a code requirement that covers this. I can't seem to find one.

I retired from the largest children's hospital.in Pa. Many years ago somebody installed these dangerous plastic receptacle inserts. One of our sharp eyed sparkies did some investigating on them. They appeared to never have UL or other approved testing agency marking on packaging or products and could be a choking hazard to young children. Would only used hospital grade temper resistant receptacles. Besides wonder how many times a flimsy plastic receptacle insert was removed for a short period they were never replaced. You might want to double check me with JACO or forget the state of Pa agency that deals with hospitals & medical facilities. Before TR receptacle were required there were 5,000 children taken to ER'S every year for receiving severe shock & or burns from inserting something into a receptacle.

 

[Strathead]

I retired from the largest children's hospital.in Pa. Many years ago somebody installed these dangerous plastic receptacle inserts. One of our sharp eyed sparkies did some investigating on them. They appeared to never have UL or other approved testing agency marking on packaging or products and could be a choking hazard to young children. Would only used hospital grade temper resistant receptacles. Besides wonder how many times a flimsy plastic receptacle insert was removed for a short period they were never replaced. You might want to double check me with JACO or forget the state of Pa agency that deals with hospitals & medical facilities. Before TR receptacle were required there were 5,000 children taken to ER'S every year for receiving severe shock & or burns from inserting something into a receptacle.

Exactly what I was thinking.