What is the purpose of tamper-resistant receptacles?

Tamper-resistant receptacles serve the critical purpose of preventing unintended electrical contact, thereby enhancing safety, particularly in environments where children or vulnerable individuals may be present. These receptacles are designed with built-in shutters that only open when a two-pronged plug is inserted into them. This design feature effectively blocks access to the electrical contacts, reducing the risk of foreign objects, such as fingers or metal objects, being inserted into the outlet, which can lead to electrical shocks or other accidents.

Since safety is the primary focus of tamper-resistant receptacles, they are a vital component in any setting that requires a higher standard of protection against electrical hazards. While other options may touch on aspects of receptacle functionality or cost, they do not address the critical safety feature that tamper-resistant designs provide.