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If you’ve ever watched a toddler crawl across the living room floor and make a beeline straight for the outlets, your heart probably skipped a beat. We’ve seen it happen plenty of times—little fingers, toy cars, even paperclips aimed right at the plug slots. That’s exactly why tamper-resistant outlets, or TR outlets, became standard in new homes. They’re not just code—they’re peace of mind.
At Coharbor Electric, we’ve been installing tamper-resistant outlets across Fort Myers since they became required by code. But even today, a lot of older homes still don’t have them. Parents assume those little plastic safety plugs are enough, or they think upgrading isn’t worth the effort. We can tell you from experience—it’s worth every penny.
A tamper-resistant outlet looks almost identical to a regular one from the outside. The difference is inside.
Each slot on a TR outlet has a built-in shutter that only opens when both prongs of a plug are inserted at the same time. That means if a child tries to stick in a key, a fork, or even a toy, the shutters stay closed and no contact is made with the live parts inside.
They’re simple, mechanical, and incredibly effective. There’s no complicated tech—just a design that solves a very real problem.
In our line of work, we’ve seen the aftermath of electrical shocks from older outlets. It’s something no parent should ever go through. Tamper-resistant outlets take that risk almost completely out of the equation.
According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), tamper-resistant outlets have been required in nearly all new residential construction since 2008. The 2024 NEC still keeps that rule in place, and it applies to:
All general-use outlets in living areas, bedrooms, hallways, and foyers
Kitchens and bathrooms
Laundry areas
Basements and garages
Outdoors (if outlets are accessible)
Basically, anywhere a child could reach an outlet—it needs to be tamper-resistant.
Even homes without kids should have them. Grandkids visit, friends bring toddlers, or you might sell your home someday—TR outlets add safety and value either way.
Between open floor plans, low outlets, and outdoor living spaces, Florida homes give kids plenty of opportunities to explore. Add in our warm weather and tile floors, and you’ve got one more concern—moisture.
Humidity and salt air can make electrical connections more sensitive. When we replace outlets in Fort Myers homes, we often see small corrosion spots inside older receptacles. Those spots can increase the chance of shocks even without tampering. A TR outlet’s internal shutters help keep debris, dust, and moisture out, too.
Plus, families here spend a lot of time outdoors—on lanais, pool decks, or patios. Those outlets should always be GFCI-protected and tamper-resistant. We’ve seen outdoor outlets at child height that weren’t, and it only takes one curious hand to find trouble.
“They’re hard to plug into.”
This one comes up a lot, especially when people first move into a new house. TR outlets do feel a little stiff at first because the shutters have to move evenly. But once you line up the plug straight, it slides in just fine.
“Those plastic plug caps do the same thing.”
Not even close. We’ve seen dozens of those little caps lying on the floor after kids figured out how to pull them out. TR outlets are permanent—they don’t rely on anyone remembering to reinstall them.
“I don’t have kids, so I don’t need them.”
It’s still a smart move. TR outlets last longer, stay cleaner, and keep out debris. Plus, if you ever rent or sell, it’s a small upgrade that helps you meet code and safety standards.
Replacing old outlets with tamper-resistant ones is a straightforward job when done safely. When we upgrade a home, we start by turning off power at the panel, removing each old outlet, and checking the condition of the wiring behind it.
You’d be surprised how many older outlets are worn or loose from years of use. In those cases, it’s not just a safety upgrade—it’s an electrical repair.
We typically install TR outlets in all standard 15- and 20-amp circuits. Kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas get GFCI outlets that are also tamper-resistant (yes, they make combo units). That way you’re covered for both shock and tamper protection at once.
Each outlet gets tested before we leave, and we make sure they’re labeled properly in your panel if new GFCI/TR combos were added.
We get it—sometimes homeowners hesitate on upgrades that don’t seem urgent. But tamper-resistant outlets are inexpensive compared to what they prevent.
A standard TR outlet usually costs just a few dollars more than a regular one. The labor to install them depends on access and quantity, but for most homes, the upgrade is quick and affordable.
When you think about what it prevents—a child getting shocked, or a future home inspection delay—it’s an easy decision.
Not long ago, we got a call from a young family in south Fort Myers. Their toddler had managed to jam a toy screwdriver into a bedroom outlet. Thankfully, the outlet tripped the breaker before anything serious happened. The next day, we replaced every outlet in the home with tamper-resistant versions.
Two weeks later, the mom sent us a photo of her little one trying again—with no luck this time. The shutters did their job. That one moment of prevention is exactly why these exist.
It’s easy to check. Look at the outlet face—if you see the letters “TR” embossed between the plug slots, you’re good. If not, it’s an older outlet that should be upgraded.
We can inspect your outlets and panel at the same time. During that check, we also verify that GFCI and AFCI protection are in place, since those work hand-in-hand with TR outlets for a complete safety system.
Electrical safety doesn’t have to be complicated. Tamper-resistant outlets are one of those simple upgrades that make a huge difference, especially for families with kids or grandkids.
They’re now standard for a reason—and in a place like Fort Myers, where humidity and active families make electrical safety even more important, it’s a smart step for any home.
At Coharbor Electric, we’re all about practical solutions that protect people and property. Whether you’re building, remodeling, or just ready to update an older house, we can inspect your outlets, recommend what needs to be replaced, and get everything up to modern safety code.
⚡ Call Coharbor Electric today to schedule a home safety inspection or outlet upgrade. We’re your trusted Fort Myers electricians—licensed, local, and dedicated to keeping your home safe for every member of the family.
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