Leviton's Line Of Tamper-Resistant Receptacles Helps Protect Children From Electrical Hazards
Little Neck, NY - Leviton is pleased to announce that it is among the first manufacturers in the industry to offer a complete line of 2008 NEC Code Section 406.11-compliant tamper-resistant receptacles. The 2008 NEC Code, which first goes into effect on January 1, 2008, includes a provision (Section 406.11) that requires all receptacles in newly constructed homes to be tamper-resistant. 
Leviton's line of tamper-resistant receptacles includes 15 and 20 Amp residential and commercial grade devices in a range of colors to match any interior décor. Residential devices include: 15 Amp duplex receptacles and combination devices in traditional and Decora styles and SmartLockPRO GFCIs in 15 and 20 Amp ratings. Commercial grade receptacles include: 15 and 20 Amp traditional and Decora Plus duplex receptacles, 15 and 20 Amp single receptacles, and 15 and 20 Amp weather-resistant duplex receptacles.
Leviton's line of tamper-resistant receptacles features protective shutters designed to accept only a two-prong electrical plug, while preventing the insertion of foreign objects. According to Jay Sherman, director of marketing for residential products, "Tamper-resistant receptacles offer the most foolproof solution for protecting toddlers and small children from the dangers of their coming into contact with a receptacle's live components. These receptacles offer a higher measure of safety than plastic outlet caps, which can be removed or broken, and shuttered wallplates, which can crack or break, and are no longer UL listed."
A recent NEMA study based on data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance Systems (NEISS) found that during the ten-year period between 1991 and 2001, more than 24,000 children, 10 years of age or younger, were treated in emergency rooms for accidents related to electrical receptacles. This statistic equates to about seven children a day suffering first, second or third degree burns, and in some instances, fatalities.
"Injuries occur when children, who are naturally curious, insert hair pins, paper clips, keys and other metal objects into electrical outlets and the object the child is holding becomes electrified. As a long-time manufacturer of tamper-resistant devices, we are pleased to be at the forefront of this critical safety measure by offering the industry an expanded product offering for both residential and commercial applications," Sherman added.
Leviton's tamper-resistant receptacles are ideal for new or renovated single- and multi-family homes, schools, libraries, childcare facilities and commercial environments where children may come in contact with receptacles. Leviton residential grade tamper-resistant receptacles feature a distinguishing "TR" symbol or the words "tamper-resistant" on the face of the device so contractors and homeowners are assured the receptacles they install meet the 2008 NEC requirement.
All devices in the new line feature heavy-duty construction for a long, trouble-free service life and are backed by Leviton's Limited Two-Year Warranty. For more information, contact Leviton Manufacturing, 59-25 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck, NY www.leviton.com.
SOURCE: Leviton