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Code guides · NEC 406.12

Tamper-resistant receptacles

Tamper-resistant receptacles use spring-loaded shutters that prevent insertion of foreign objects. They've been mandatory in residential dwelling units since 2008.

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Where required

  • All dwelling-unit receptacles (since 2008)
  • Childcare facilities (since 2014)
  • Preschools, elementary schools (since 2014)
  • Hotels and motels in dwelling-room areas (since 2017)
  • Healthcare patient-care areas (since 2017)
  • Common areas of multifamily that serve as part of a dwelling unit

Exceptions

  • Receptacles >5.5 ft above the floor
  • Receptacles part of an appliance (built into the appliance)
  • Receptacles for a single-purpose use (e.g. wall-mounted refrigerator behind cabinet)

Disclosure

This is a plain-English summary for estimating purposes. It is not a substitute for the actual code documents — review for AHJ-specific amendments. Adopted editions vary by jurisdiction; OmniTakeoff applies the edition declared on the project, not a hard-coded default.

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Tamper-resistant receptacles (NEC 406.12) — OmniTakeoff Code Guides