Overview

Tamper-resistant receptacles are designed with safety shutters to prevent the insertion of foreign or unauthorized objects. They are required to be installed at specific locations, as outlined in Section 406.12 of all previous editions of the NEC. However, in the NEC 2023 edition, this section was amended to expand the number of locations that must be equipped with tamper-resistant receptacles. The purpose of this modification is to enhance the coverage of areas where tamper-resistant receptacles are used to protect people.

Applying the 2023 Code

Tamper-resistant receptacles are equipped with a shutter mechanism to prevent the insertion of foreign objects. These shutters only open when specifically shaped objects, such as a two-bladed or grounded plug, are inserted. This mechanism is essential for enhancing electrical safety, particularly in environments where vulnerable individuals like the elderly and children are present, as it prevents accidental contact with live wires. In the 2023 edition of the NEC, Section 406.12 has been updated to require the installation of tamper-resistant receptacles in additional locations where 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt non-locking type receptacles are used. This expansion aims to extend the electrical safety benefits provided by tamper-resistant receptacles to more locations by reducing the risk of accidental contact with electrical components.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

All 15- and 20-ampere, 125-and 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles in the areas specified in 406.12(1) through (8) shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles.

1. Dwelling units, including attached and detached garages and accessory buildings to dwelling units, and common areas of multifamily dwellings specified in 210.52 and 550.13
2. Guest rooms and guest suites of hotels, motels, and their common areas
3. Child care facilities
4. Preschools and education facilities
5. Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices, and outpatient facilities
6. Subset of assembly occupancies described in 518.2 to include places of awaiting transportation, gymnasiums, skating rinks, and auditoriums
7. Dormitory units
8. Assisted living facilities

Exception to (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8): Receptacles in the following locations shall not be required to be tamper resistant:

1. Receptacles located more than 1.7 m (5 1/2 ft) above the floor
2. Receptacles that are part of a luminaire or appliance
3. A single receptacle, or a duplex receptacle for two appliances, located within the dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord-and-plug-connected in accordance with 400.10(A)(6), (A)(7), or (A)(8)
4. Nongrounding receptacles used for replacements as permitted in 406.4(D)(2)(a)

2023 NEC

406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

All 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles in the following locations shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles:

1. All dwelling units, boathouses, mobile homes and manufactured homes, including their attached and detached garages, accessory buildings, and common areas
2. Guest rooms and guest suites of hotels, motels, and their common areas
3. Child care facilities
4. Preschools and education facilities
5. Within clinics, medical and dental offices, and outpatient facilities, the following spaces:
   1. Business offices accessible to the general public
   2. Lobbies, and waiting spaces
   3. Spaces of nursing homes and limited care facilities covered in 517.10(B)(2)
6. Places of awaiting transportation, gymnasiums, skating rinks, fitness centers, and auditoriums
7. Dormitory units
8. Residential care/assisted living facilities, social and substance abuse rehabilitation facilities, and group homes
9. Foster care facilities, nursing homes, and psychiatric hospitals
10. Areas of agricultural buildings accessible to the general public and any common areas

Exception to (1) through (10): Receptacles in the following locations shall not be required to be tamper resistant:

1. Receptacles located more than 1.7 m (51/2 ft) above the floor
2. Receptacles that are part of a luminaire or appliance
3. Where the receptacle outlet is installed within the space occupied by or designated for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and is cord-and-plug-connected in accordance with 400.10(A)(6), (A)(7), or (A)(8) the following are permitted:
   1. A single receptacle that is not readily accessible and supplies one appliance
   2. A duplex receptacle that is not readily accessible and supplies two appliances
4. Nongrounding receptacles used for replacements as permitted in 406.4(D)(2)(a)