Why you can’t plug the cord into the outlet: Guide to tamper-resistant outlets

Electrical Safety Foundation International requires that every house use tamper-resistant outlets. Most of us do not know any details about these outlets because these are not common in our homes.

People do not use these outlets because they are not aware of the benefits. We have compiled the best guide to tamper-resistant outlets. It will also tell you why you can’t plug cords into outlets sometimes.

What is a tamper-resistant outlet?

Tamper-resistant outlets look similar to regular outlets with some differences. These outlets have a thin insertion area as compared to the other types. As the name suggests, it is hard to tamper with this outlet. There are many benefits of these outlets as they can prevent electrical hazards for children. Most children like to insert objects into electrical outlets. It can give an electrical shock to the children.

The children cannot insert anything into the tamper-resistant outlet. These outlets will not allow the insertion of an object from one opening. There is a peculiar shuttering mechanism that prevents single-opening insertion. To insert this cord, you have to apply equal pressure on both insertion areas. Because of its safety and benefits, most organizations consider it an essential part of the home with children. Many people are replacing their old outlets to install tamper-resistant types. With many benefits, it is a perfect choice for homes.

How do you plug in a tamper-resistant outlet?

The plugging mechanism of the tamper-resistant outlet is not different from the regular outlets. Most people think they know how to plug in a tamper-resistant outlet. You have to arrange the most suitable type of plug if you want to plug in a tamper-resistant outlet. The round-legged plugs cannot plug into these types because the opening of these outlets is much thinner. The thin insertion area will prevent children from putting their fingers in the outlet.

After arranging the most suitable plug for these outlets, you may have to align the legs perfectly to apply equal pressure. If you do not use equal force on both openings, you may have to plug harder. It can damage the shuttering mechanism. When you align all three legs and use minor force, the plug should enter the opening and the electrical appliance should work perfectly.

How to install the tamper-resistant outlet?

You can install these outlets if you have some experience in installing electrical devices in your home. You may also need some expertise in electrical cable handling to install these outlets. It is essential to turn off the electrical supply from the service board before starting the procedure. You should ensure the disconnection of the electrical supply by inserting an electrical tester in each opening of the outlet. You need to unscrew the outlet to reach the electrical cables.

Sometimes, there is a covering on the screws. You have to remove the covering to unscrew the outlet. You can also remove the cables from the old outlet by removing the internal screws from the outlet. You can keep the old outlet aside and put the tamper-resistant outlet in its place. First, you have to fix the cables using the screws on the back of the outlet. You can screw the outlet to the wall after this step. After completing this step, you can fix the covering of the screws if it is available with the outlet.

Why won’t my plug fit in the outlet?

There are many reasons for a plug to not fit in the outlet. The first reason is an incompatible plug. If you are using a round-legged plug for the tamper-resistant outlet, it won’t fit in it. You should always use compatible plugs because it is impossible to insert the wrong type of plugin in certain outlets.

The plug may not fit in the outlet if you are not applying equal force. When you place the plug parallel to the outlet and put equal pressure on both openings, the tamper-resistant plug will open with ease. If you are not putting an equal force, the shutter mechanism will block the plug from entering the openings. This mechanism will protect the child if he wants to insert something in the one opening of the outlet.

The third reason for not getting the plug inside the opening of the outlet is a faulty shutter mechanism. If you have been using the outlet for many years, there is a chance that the shutter system is damaged. It will not allow the insertion of any object or plug even when the plug is compatible. In this case, you may have to replace the outlet or repair the shutter mechanism.

How do you get a cord to stay in an outlet?

If you want your cord to stay in the outlet, it is essential to get a compatible leg. You should install the plug with the right leg thickness to help the cables stay in the outlet. If the leg thickness is extremely low, you may suffer as the plug will not stay in the outlet. In this case, even a little pressure can force it to come out of the outlet. If you do not have a plug and only want the cord to stay in the outlet, It is better to take out extra wires and rotate them around it to increase the cord thickness.

When you insert the cords into the outlet, they will stay firmly in the outlet. If the outlet is loose, you may have to use pieces of wood to help the cord fix in the outlet without a plug. The wood pieces will prevent it from coming out. If you are using a tamper-resistant outlet, you can insert it using equal pressure on both sides of the opening. Once the cord is inside the outlet, the shutter mechanism holds the cords and prevents them from coming out. The tamper-resistant outlet resists the insertion of an object from one insertion area. It also prevents the cable from coming out because the mechanism pushes it and holds it in place.

This article has been written by our friends over at kabelbyen.dk