406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles.
Code Change Summary: The 2023 NEC® has expanded and clarified the locations where tamper-resistant receptacles are required.
Each code cycle, the use of tamper-resistant receptacles is expanded. The 2023 NEC® is no different. During the 2023 code cycle, there were 9 code change proposals (public inputs or PI’s) to make modifications to this section.
Keep in mind that the requirements in Section 406.12 for tamper-resistant receptacles apply to all 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles in specific locations.
This code change adds the following new areas to the existing list of locations where tamper-resistant receptacles must be used:
- Boathouses, mobile homes and manufactured homes
- Spaces of nursing homes and limited care facilities covered in 517.10(B)(2)
- Fitness centers
- Residential care/assisted living facilities, social and substance abuse rehabilitation facilities, and group homes
- Foster care facilities, nursing homes, and psychiatric hospitals
- Areas of agricultural buildings accessible to the general public and any common areas
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2020 Code Language:
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
2023 Code Language:
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:
- Business offices accessible to the general public
- Lobbies, and waiting spaces
- 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
Check all exceptions!