406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles.
Code Change Summary: The rules for tamper-resistant receptacles have been reworked into a list for simplicity.
In the 2011 NEC®, rules for tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles were found in the following sections of Article 406:
- 406.12 TR Receptacles for Dwelling Units
- 406.13 TR Receptacles in Guest Rooms and Guest Suites
- 406.14 TR Receptacles in Child Care Facilities
The only exceptions for these rules were located in 406.12 which means they did not apply to TR receptacles required in guest rooms covered in 406.13 or child care facilities covered in 406.14.
As an example, a ceiling mounted receptacle in a hotel guest room would need to be TR even though it was located higher than 5 ½ feet above the floor, well out of reach of a child. In a dwelling unit, the same receptacle would fall within the exception and could be a standard receptacle.
In the 2014 NEC®, the rules have been consolidated into one code section and the exceptions apply to all locations in the code section.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2014 Code Language:
406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles. Tamper-resistant receptacles shall be installed as specified in 406.12(A) through (C).
(A) Dwelling Units. In all areas specified in 210.52, all nonlocking-type 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles.
(B) Guest Rooms and Guest Suites of Hotels and Motels. All nonlocking-type 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles located in guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles.
(C) Child Care Facilities. In all child care facilities, all nonlocking-type 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles.
Exception to (A), (B), and (C): Receptacles in the following locations shall not be required to be tamper resistant:
(1) Receptacles located more than 1.7 m (5 ½ 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 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 400.7(A)(6), (A)(7), or (A)(8).
(4) Nongrounding receptacles used for replacements as permitted in 406.4(D)(2)(a).