Electric Company Explains Childproof Receptacles for National Electrical Safety Month
WACO, Texas (PRWEB) May 12, 2015 -- May is National Electrical Safety Month, and Mr. Electric wants homeowners to know the importance of childproof outlets in the home.
More than 2,400 children suffer shocks and burns related to electrical outlets every year. Mr. Electric explains why installing tamper-resistant receptacles is an important step homeowners should take to increase safety in the home during National Electrical Safety Month.
Tamper-resistant receptacles
Tamper-resistant receptacles, also known as childproof outlets, look almost exactly the same as regular outlets, except the receptacle’s cover plate, which closes off the contact openings. The plug should be inserted with equal pressure on both sides, just as one would normally insert it. The cover plate will then slide out of place in order for the plug to secure.
“This cover does not allow anything to get to the contacts when unequal pressure is applied,” said Craig Gjelsten, vice president of Mr. Electric. “Even homeowners without children should consider upgrading their outlets, because the possibility of shock or burns is not limited to a child’s own home.”
The 2008 National Electric Code requires all new and renovated homes to include tamper-resistant receptacles to be installed.
The tamper-resistant outlet upgrade to the home is an important step to ensuring safety in the home, helping to prevent accidents. Tamper-resistant receptacles help prevent electrical burns, shock and severe, or even fatal, injuries.
“Children are susceptible to accidents caused by common household objects such as keys, hairpins, staples, silverware, jewelry and more,” said Gjelsten. “Nearly one-third of accidents occur when a child has inserted items such as these into a receptacle.”
For more information about outlets, visit mrelectric.com. To learn more about home outlets, click here.
Jason Lee, The Dwyer Group 1, +1 (254) 745-5085, [email protected]
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