[FoPAA]

My plugs are driving me crazy!!! Our house is about a year and a half old, and all of the electric plugs have some sort of blocking thingie so you can't put in a plug - well, I can't put in a plug. Is there a trick that anyone knows of? I've tried wiggling, approaching from a different angle i.e. from higher up, from lower down, etc. The plugs have not gotten any better over time, and it's very frustrating. I'm thinking this is some sort of child proofing in the building code? Please tell me the trick!

[graciegirl]

Wellllllllllllllllllll. They are kind of virginal. It does get better over time.

[FoPAA]

Mine must have a chastity belt installed!

[Rango]

Plugs must be pushed in even. If you push them in crooked or wiggle them-no go.

[ffresh]

Originally Posted by FoPAA

My plugs are driving me crazy!!! Our house is about a year and a half old, and all of the electric plugs have some sort of blocking thingie so you can't put in a plug - well, I can't put in a plug. Is there a trick that anyone knows of? I've tried wiggling, approaching from a different angle i.e. from higher up, from lower down, etc. The plugs have not gotten any better over time, and it's very frustrating. I'm thinking this is some sort of child proofing in the building code? Please tell me the trick!

It's called a "tamper-proof receptacle". Basically, its function is to prevent children from inserting devices into the openings that would present a "wish I hadn't done that" event! Sometimes (OK ... always) it takes a bit of force to insert a plug into the receptacle. If you find it a bit overwhelming, just repeat the mantra, over and over, government knows what's best for me and you'll feel MUCH BETTER

Fred

[DangeloInspections]

What everyone so far said is true. They are called Tamper Resistant receptacles and they are a requirement of the 2010 electrical code. Putting the plug in straight and wiggling them a bit usually works fine.

[TrudyM]

If you have a plug that you use all the time, it is easy to replace with a regular one. It is very simple but if you are not up for it any good handyman or an electrician can change it out in about 10 min.

[billethkid]

just what we need in a retirement community is child proof electrical recepticals.

I would guess the contractor got a deal on the recepticals.

They have to build to code. Why would you think he got a deal?

[rjm1cc]

Also note that the holes you are plugging into are different sizes. On some plugs one prong is wider than the other.

[coffeebean]

From the National Fire Protection Association.....

Tamper-resistant electrical receptacles

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Wellllllllllllllllllll. They are kind of virginal. It does get better over time.

Best laugh of the day!

Thank you!

[champion6]

Originally Posted by FoPAA

My plugs are driving me crazy!!! Our house is about a year and a half old, and all of the electric plugs have some sort of blocking thingie so you can't put in a plug - well, I can't put in a plug. Is there a trick that anyone knows of? I've tried wiggling, approaching from a different angle i.e. from higher up, from lower down, etc. The plugs have not gotten any better over time, and it's very frustrating. I'm thinking this is some sort of child proofing in the building code? Please tell me the trick!

I have a three-prong extension cord that was frustrating to use. In fact I couldn't get it into any outlet. After carefully inspecting the cord, I discovered that one prong was slightly longer than the other! The only way I can get the plug into the outlet is to angle it so the shorter prong goes in first. I don't have this problem with all my other "normal" extension cords.

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by Lenhart Electric

Tamper resistant receptacles provide compliance with 2014 NEC[emoji768] Article 406.12 which states that all 15A and 20A, 125V/AC receptacles installed in dwelling units must be tamper resistant.

I just ran across this and recalled this thread & thought I'd post...

As soon as I move into my house I will be replacing these with standard receptacles (the most used). They are a royal pain in the butt. I won't be sticking my tongue into one of these anytime soon.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by RickeyD

As soon as I move into my house I will be replacing these with standard receptacles (the most used). They are a royal pain in the butt. I won't be sticking my tongue into one of these anytime soon.

Funny