The new child proof cap.

[LMWIS]

I had the kitchen done recently and when they finished, I discovered that they installed a new type of electrical outlet which is supposed to be 'tamper proof'. When you look at the outlet, you can see a plastic shield that covers the spot where the blades of the plug go in, to keep you from sticking knives or scissors into the outlet.

Although I've never had a desire to do that before, (and don't anticipate having one now) I am now protected from a problem I never had. I also can't manage to get any of my appliances plugged into the new outlets because the covers won't slide over for anything that isn't a three prong plug.

I wanted to change a out couple so I could actually use the them, but if you want a 20 amp outlet, you get a tamper proof one whether you want it or not.

I also now have an intermixer attached to my water heater. This device hooks the hot water to the cold water to ensure that the water coming out of my tap can't come out too hot and cause scalding injuries.

The trade off for this increased level of safety is that the water doesn't get hot enough for the dishwasher or the washing machine to do a proper job. (Not to mention the shower...,)

I guess the powers that require such things never realized that the hot water heater already has a thermostat that moves in both directions.

I understand the need for building codes and increasing safety. But you will never be able to come up with a code that can idiot proof the world to the point where stupid people will be insulated from the results of their stupidity.

And I resent being inconvenienced when they try.

 

[da gimp]

go down to your local lumber yard or hardware store & purchase a 20amp Levitron (?spelling)GFCI outlet & cover. The best ones aren't cheap, about $20.00 or so.. but are very dependable & are easily installed. Find out with breaker controls that outlet.. then flip it off... & install your new GFCI outlet and cover. Make sure you get the correct color of outlet & cover. Then reset your breaker... you are done... You will need a small flat bladed screw driver & perhaps a small Phillips head too.

 

[arjay]

I've been away from it all for a few years,but it sounds like your codes are quite a bit stricter than ours are! There's no adjustment on the intermixer? Maybe under a cover plate?

 

[the ringo kid]

I had the kitchen done recently and when they finished, I discovered that they installed a new type of electrical outlet which is supposed to be 'tamper proof'. When you look at the outlet, you can see a plastic shield that covers the spot where the blades of the plug go in, to keep you from sticking knives or scissors into the outlet.

Although I've never had a desire to do that before, (and don't anticipate having one now) I am now protected from a problem I never had. I also can't manage to get any of my appliances plugged into the new outlets because the covers won't slide over for anything that isn't a three prong plug.

I wanted to change a out couple so I could actually use the them, but if you want a 20 amp outlet, you get a tamper proof one whether you want it or not.

I also now have an intermixer attached to my water heater. This device hooks the hot water to the cold water to ensure that the water coming out of my tap can't come out too hot and cause scalding injuries.

The trade off for this increased level of safety is that the water doesn't get hot enough for the dishwasher or the washing machine to do a proper job. (Not to mention the shower...,)

I guess the powers that require such things never realized that the hot water heater already has a thermostat that moves in both directions.

I understand the need for building codes and increasing safety. But you will never be able to come up with a code that can idiot proof the world to the point where stupid people will be insulated from the results of their stupidity.

And I resent being inconvenienced when they try.

The local ""area-manager"" (daddy's boy) did that to some of the electrical outlets at mcdonalds to keep customers from charging phones. This lil ""angel"" is NOT customer-friendly at all. Anyway, when I saw that-I thought about removing them since no child can reacch that high. Decided other action-my group of regulars and I, are quitting that locatiion and will go to Barnes and Nobles instead.

 

[LMWIS]

Unfortunately, the GFI's have the protectors on them too.

And no, the water intermixer is set, to avoid having people defeat the unit setting it too high.

Oh, and I also have arc fault (not ground fault) breakers in the bedroom, in case I ever want to use damaged appliances or frayed extension cords.

You never know...,

 

[arjay]

I've never seen these (no luck with Google) and my son, a commercial electrician, hasn't heard of them either.Do you have a photo?

 

[the ringo kid]

I've never seen these (no luck with Google) and my son, a commercial electrician, hasn't heard of them either.Do you have a photo?

The ones here at "daddy's boy's" mcdonalds are clear plastic-and one screwed into one outlet-two required.

 

[LMWIS]

This is the GFI version. The 20 amp version has TR. (tamper resistant?) moulded into it.

 

[Tom S.]

Kid's gotta learn about electricity somehow...




Worked for me!

 

[steelslaver]

I built my house and finished it just 4 years ago. Here no building permit or inspections, except electrical. I wired it myself and passed. but, Arc faults, ground faults and kid proof plugs. I will buy into the ground faults in the bathroom and in the kitchen near the sink, but the rest of it is just stupid in my opinion.

They keep trying to make everything idiot proof. Sometimes the idiots manage to find another way to kill themselves though. But, mostly they live and unfortunately breed. Explain why we are trying to save people who want to do reeally stupid stuff.

Another question. I had to take 4 years of English in HS and only one of science (I took more). Why is it more important to know how to write poetry, that Chaucer wrote Canterbury tales than how electricity works, why you shouldn't drive your car when the brakes are spongy etc etc etc?

 

[BC38]

Yes, unfortunately they breed like rabbits. Must be stupidity that keeps them from realizing they usually can't really afford to provide for an excessive number of offspring. Or maybe they just haven't figured out why they keep having kids - or how to prevent it.

But every time you think you have something idiot proof they just go and invent a better idiot.

 

[Stevens]

How will kids learn? I still remember being "bitten" while playing around with various electrical outlets and appliances as a kid, and I learned to respect them too!
Steve W

 

[CoMF]

Replace your TR GFI outlets with standard 15 or 20-amp ones and put the kitchen circuit on a GFI/AFCI or GFI breaker (depending on your local Code).

Problem solved.

 

[da gimp]

I built my house and finished it just 4 years ago. Here no building permit or inspections, except electrical. I wired it myself and passed. but, Arc faults, ground faults and kid proof plugs. I will buy into the ground faults in the bathroom and in the kitchen near the sink, but the rest of it is just stupid in my opinion.

They keep trying to make everything idiot proof. Sometimes the idiots manage to find another way to kill themselves though. But, mostly they live and unfortunately breed. Explain why we are trying to save people who want to do reeally stupid stuff.

Another question. I had to take 4 years of English in HS and only one of science (I took more). Why is it more important to know how to write poetry, that Chaucer wrote Canterbury tales than how electricity works, why you shouldn't drive your car when the brakes are spongy etc etc etc?

absolutely good point on the 4yrs of English vs. 1 yr of science... perhaps it should be 2&2.. although I've seen enough poor grammar & heard even worse to realize that even though the kids had to take 4 yrs of it... it failed to sink in.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

It is great that we are now more protected from ourselves.

 

[Steely85]

All newborns should have 'Life causes death' stamped on their forehead. That's the only reminder one needs.

 

[chief38]

As important as some believe it is to "child-proof" your house (and I had done some too when my kids were small) I much prefer educating the kids and actually teaching them by showing them what the dangers are in a smart way. Not saying one should take the place of the other but they do certainly work hand in hand.

 

[islamoradamark]

those arc faults are terrible i could not even plug in a vacuum cleaner without the breaker tripping . after the inspection i changed them back to regular breakers those arc faults are expensive. Sometimes I think someone just makes up a new code so they can make a hefty profit