Tamper Resistant Receptacles

Today after supper Mr McGoo, aka Baby Brother, learned a painful lesson. We didn't see him being shocked but it was evident what happened. I hope he stops trying to play with cords that are plugged in.

It appeared that he had come into contact with the HOT prong of a fan plug while it was still partially inserted in the receptacle. After taking in the scene it was scary how dangerous this could have been. He was only inches away from a grounded metal baseboard heater. Had he contacted the grounded metal while being shocked he may not have been able to free himself or make any sound of distress. I know I tend to imagine the worst possible scenarios but this one seemed very plausible and deadly.

We called the nurse line and the Dr. Our nurse neighbor came over and listened to his heart. Everyone agreed he seemed to be OK. There was no visible skin damage. I agreed too but I've learned what an electric shock can do to a person and afterward they seem OK.

"Thank you, Lord, for protecting him."

They make tamper resistant receptacles now. They prevent someone from inserting an object into only one slot by requiring both slot shutters be pressed at the same time to allow a plug to be inserted. They won't necessarily prevent the accident we had tonight but they may make less likely to happen. A TR receptacle that required more force than a toddler can produce would greatly reduce the risk of our accident happening again. Outlets that required a two step process (or mechanical interlock) to insert or remove a plug would also be safer.