What is the minimum rating required for tamper-resistant receptacles?

What is the minimum rating required for tamper-resistant receptacles?

• A. 10 amps
• B. 15 amps
• C. 20 amps
• D. 25 amps

Answer: (B)

Tamper-resistant receptacles are designed with a safety feature that helps prevent unwanted objects from being inserted into the receptacle slots, thereby reducing the risk of electrical shock, especially in environments with children. The minimum rating required for tamper-resistant receptacles is 15 amps, which aligns with the standard for most residential applications. In a typical household or commercial setting, 15-amp receptacles are commonly used for general-purpose outlets. This makes them suitable for a wide range of devices and ensures that wiring systems can adequately support the anticipated electrical load while providing the necessary safety features. Choosing a receptacle with a rating lower than 15 amps, such as 10 amps, would not meet the safety standards that govern residential and commercial electrical installations, nor would it adequately support the power needs of standard devices. Similarly, ratings above 15 amps, like 20 amps or 25 amps, are not required for general installation of tamper-resistant receptacles and may not comply with specific regulatory requirements intended to limit such installations to safer, lower-rated devices in residential settings. This reflects the balance of safety and functionality that is required in electrical planning and design.

Tamper-resistant receptacles are designed with a safety feature that helps prevent unwanted objects from being inserted into the receptacle slots, thereby reducing the risk of electrical shock, especially in environments with children. The minimum rating required for tamper-resistant receptacles is 15 amps, which aligns with the standard for most residential applications.

In a typical household or commercial setting, 15-amp receptacles are commonly used for general-purpose outlets. This makes them suitable for a wide range of devices and ensures that wiring systems can adequately support the anticipated electrical load while providing the necessary safety features.

Choosing a receptacle with a rating lower than 15 amps, such as 10 amps, would not meet the safety standards that govern residential and commercial electrical installations, nor would it adequately support the power needs of standard devices. Similarly, ratings above 15 amps, like 20 amps or 25 amps, are not required for general installation of tamper-resistant receptacles and may not comply with specific regulatory requirements intended to limit such installations to safer, lower-rated devices in residential settings. This reflects the balance of safety and functionality that is required in electrical planning and design.