Outlet plastic behind plugs


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Old 11-11-18, 04:24 PM
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Outlet plastic behind plugs

I just installed this Leviton outlet. Tried plugging something in but there seems to be some sort of plastic (maybe) that is blocking anything from being plugged in. Should I just cut this away with a utility knife or something?

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Last edited by PJmax; 11-11-18 at 04:57 PM. Reason: added pic from link
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Old 11-11-18, 04:55 PM
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That is the next generation of receptacles called tamper resistant. It keeps the kids from sticking something into the prongs. You need to push the plug in 100% straight so that both slots open at the same time. They can be a bit of a nuisance.
 
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Old 11-11-18, 05:09 PM
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Exclamation

I hate those new tamper resistant outlets with a passion.

I now have a stockpile of standard (Non-Tamper Resistant) 15A & 20A duplex receptacles. I have about 200 pieces of different brands (Mostly Levition), and styles/colors (Mostly white with a few older black or brown ones).

it sucks I now have to resort to eBay or other online venues for buying outlets where as years ago I could go down to the local mom-'n'-pop hardware store and buy one as needed.

Thanks to Lowes and Homedepot, & Wal-mart those Mom-'n'-Pop type of stores are tough to find today
 
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Old 11-11-18, 06:46 PM
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I now have a stockpile of standard (Non-Tamper Resistant) 15A & 20A duplex receptacles.
They are still readily available at local hardware stores.

It is just home depot is always out of stock when you really need it. They never have 10 pack white ones in stock when I need
 
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Old 11-11-18, 07:20 PM
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They never have 10 pack white ones in stock when I need
I wondered who was buying all the white ones.
 
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Old 11-12-18, 03:04 PM
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That is the next generation of receptacles called tamper resistant. It keeps the kids from sticking something into the prongs. You need to push the plug in 100% straight so that both slots open at the same time. They can be a bit of a nuisance.
Yeah well this thing is also "intended use resistant"! I can't even plug my 3-prong outlet tester into this thing. As they said in Wayne's World, "Denied"!
 
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Old 11-12-18, 03:39 PM
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Look at the plug. Sometimes the prongs aren't identical in length. With a tamper resistant receptacle..... both plastic covers needs to be pushed on at the same time. I go thru this everyday with customers. I didin't invent them.... I just install them.
 
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Old 11-12-18, 06:45 PM
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Talking

I did not know the non tamper-resistant ones were still available! I guess I was wrong

I will hold on to my stockpile though .

Years ago I remember buying the last 10 of the white Leviton 5252-W Industrial Grade receptacles that Home Depot had (I thought they were discontinued as there were the new tamper resistant models next to it)

I walked out the door about $56 lighter but to me it was worth it as those are great quality receptacles and I replaced my most used outlets with them.
 
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Old 11-12-18, 07:31 PM
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You'll probably find the higher end and commercial grade receptacles still available in non tamper proof.
 
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Old 11-13-18, 08:06 AM
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Question

I also picked up 10 New Old Stock Leviton 5252 receptacles on eBay a few years ago for $21 shipped which I think was an excellent deal (They were dark brown ones)

I needed them to fix an old power strip that got damaged in shipping (This is one of those all metal power strips)

Anyway the outlets are much better quality then the Rong Feng E-06 that in there before

I attached pictures of the receptacles I bought on eBay do you know about how old they are? They only have 2 wiring holes per side whereas the newer style has 4 per side
 
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Old 11-13-18, 05:35 PM
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Years ago I remember buying the last 10 of the white Leviton 5252-W Industrial Grade receptacles that Home Depot had (I thought they were discontinued as there were the new tamper resistant models next to it)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...-WMP/100684044

Home depot still sells them. They are not discontinued.

Maybe they were just out of stock when you went to purchase them?

I also picked up 10 New Old Stock Leviton 5252 receptacles on eBay a few years ago for $21
New ones costs about the same, unless you specifically needed brown. Not many people buy brown, so they are normally not in stock.


Much cheaper residential grade receptacles are readily available as well.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...-WMP/100055784
 
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Old 11-13-18, 06:11 PM
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Originally Posted by lambition
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...-WMP/100684044

Home depot still sells them. They are not discontinued.

Maybe they were just out of stock when you went to purchase them?

New ones costs about the same, unless you specifically needed brown. Not many people buy brown, so they are normally not in stock.


Much cheaper residential grade receptacles are readily available as well.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...-WMP/100055784
That could of been it, I just thought they were discontinued with the introduction of those blasted tamper-resistant ones.

Well I would of really preferred black (The brown is close enough for me anyway, I actually like the way it looks with the black and brown together) as I specially bought them to fix that power strip that was damaged in shipping.

The Leviton 5262 is probably the best industrial outlet made but unfortunately I can't spend almost $9 an outlet so that is why I buy the 5252 ones looks like my new favorite is the CBR15 thanks for the link lambition
 
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Old 11-13-18, 06:20 PM
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You'll probably find the higher end and commercial grade receptacles still available in non tamper proof.

I am not sure I have ever seen a commercial grade receptacle that was tamper resistant. Tamper resistant receptacles are only required in houses, not commercial or industrial buildings.
 
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Old 11-13-18, 06:33 PM
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Tamper resistant receptacles are only required in houses, not commercial or industrial buildings
Sorry to say, but tamper resistant receptacles are here to stay and their use is continuing to expand. Tamper resistant receptacles are now also required in the following locations. Here is the latest and greatest:

2017 Code Language:

406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

All 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles in the areas specified in 406.12(1) through (7) shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles.

(1) Dwelling units in all areas specified in 210.52 and 550.13

(2) Guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels

(3) Child care facilities

(4) Preschools and elementary education facilities

(5) Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices and outpatient facilities

(6) Subset of assembly occupancies described in 518.2 to include places of waiting transportation, gymnasiums, skating rinks, and auditoriums

(7) Dormitories

Exception to (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7): Receptacles in the following locations shall not be required to be tamper resistant:

(1) Receptacles located more than 1.7 m (5 ½ ft) above the floor

(2) Receptacles that are part of a luminaire or appliance

(3) A single receptacle or a duplex receptacle for two appliances located within the dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord-and-plug-connected in accordance with 400.10(A)(6), (A)(7), or (A)(8)

(4) Nongrounding receptacles used for replacements as permitted in 406.4(D)(2)(a)
 
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Old 11-14-18, 07:18 AM
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Well, I guess I was way off on that one. It happens when you are not up to date on the latest codes.
 
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Old 11-14-18, 10:48 AM
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Yeah, in my area schools and preschools have been required for a while, but the 2017 code pretty greatly expands it.

That said, all of the big box and hardware stores still carry the non-TR's, but they have reduced their inventory levels and they are harder to find as they are not at eye-level anymore on the shelves.
 
 

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