The Latest in Tamper-Resistant Electrical Outlets

Schedule Now

In an effort to make homes safer for children, the 2008 National Electrical Code requires that new homes, apartments and residential remodels install tamper-resistant electrical outlets (TR). If you’re remodeling or simply upgrading your wiring and outlets, you may need electrical services in Cincinnati to bring your home up to date. The new code applies to all homes, regardless of the presence of children.

Why the Change

While child-resistant covers for electrical outlets have been available for some time, many children learn how to remove them. The plastic plugs in use represent a serious choking hazard, and children can quickly learn to slide the swivel covers. Since curiosity is the hallmark of childhood, thousands of kids insert objects into the outlets each year, resulting in serious burns, shocks, and in the most serious cases, death.

How TR Outlets Work

The outlets use a spring-loaded plate that’s unlocked only when an electrical plug is inserted. Inserting a single wire, paper clip, knife blade, or knitting needle won’t move the plate that covers the contacts inside the outlet. They’re much more fool-proof than the plastic plugs or swivel plates because it requires more skill and strength to insert plugs, something that young children haven’t developed.

Changing the Existing Outlets

If your home is older, it’s a good idea to use electrical services in Cincinnati to change your outlets to those that are tamper-resistant. Outlets do age with use and can pose electrical safety hazards, most notably fires.  Receptacles in bathrooms, kitchens and hallways often see the highest wear, since electronics and small appliances are frequently plugged into them. Outlets that show signs of burning or melting need to be replaced immediately, since they indicate serious problems.

If you’d like more information about improving electrical safety in your home, contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing for all your electrical services in Cincinnati. We’ve provided trusted home services in the area since 1910.

"Ernie & Mike did a superb job on my new furnace and A/C installation. Despite having more than a day’s work to do, they came in and stayed until the job was done. They were organized, efficient, and protected the rest of the house well. Got both furnace and A/C installed the same day. Ernie was courteous, informative, and clearly knew his job better than anyone I’ve encountered before. The units look so good guests now get The Tour of our new system. Apollo is clearly not a fly-by-night company. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a new furnace and/or A/C."
- Jerry A.
"I called Apollo because of a water leak I thought I had in our upstairs shower going into the kitchen. Robbie came and assured me everything was fine & looked at all the other plumbing. He ended up changing a few pipes for our washer & clearing a drain. He was very nice & knowledgeable with all my questions. I ended up signing up for the care plan & was very happy with my service."
- Cassandra B.
"The team at Apollo exceeded my expectations. As a business owner, my attention to the details and commitment to providing excellent service is high. From the sales rep. to the installation team, everyone’s performance was outstanding. For example, the installation team went to great lengths to protect our floors, placing floor runners and across the wood floors and up the stairs. They even were spot washing walls upon their departure. I highly recommend this company."
- Randy B.
"We scheduled an estimate AND a tune-up. We knew something was wrong with our furnace, but hoped we could make it through the rest of the season. Upon telling Bill what our furnace was doing, he warned us immediately what the possible outcome was going to be; a cracked heat exchanger. He watched the flames roll backward, tested carbon monoxide levels, which were so high they meter’s last reading was 5,600 before saying “high”. He immediately shut it down, tagged it, and explained that with levels that high and children in our home he wanted off right away. He continued his inspection and showed us via a camera that not only was it cracked in multiple places, but had holes all over it. He gave us a few options for repairing it; his knowledge as well as genuine concern was beneficial and refreshing. Luckily we also scheduled an estimator, Micah, to come too and we were able to get costs between repairing and replacing (with several options). We decided to replace with a much higher efficiency furnace and one sized properly to our home. Hands down, not only did they both provide us great service and knowledge, but without sounding dramatic, they may have saved our lives. This was our first time calling Apollo, but it won’t be our last."
- Sarah B.
"Apollo is an excellent company. I always receive great service. Alex A. was professional and friendly. He kept me informed during the process of checking my furnace and heat pump to make sure they were working properly. The company makes sure you are notified who is coming and when they are on the way. All my interactions with the company have been wonderful."
- Beverly S.
    Image

    Financing

    Image

    Apollo Care Plan