What type of receptacles installed to serve a kitchen countertop are required to be tamper resistant?

The requirement for all 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles to be tamper-resistant is based on enhancing safety, particularly in environments like kitchens where receptacles may be more accessible to children. Tamper-resistant receptacles have internal shutters that prevent the insertion of foreign objects, thereby reducing the risk of electrical shock or injury. This requirement is in line with the National Electrical Code (NEC) which emphasizes safety precautions in residential settings, particularly in areas where kids might be present.

In kitchens specifically, having tamper-resistant receptacles helps ensure that safety measures are in place, given the potential for water exposure and the likelihood of children being nearby. While GFCI receptacles also provide essential protection against electrical shock in wet areas, the emphasis of the requirement in this context is on all regular receptacles, not just those dedicated to ground fault protection. The appropriately rated single receptacles for larger kitchen appliances and other higher amperage duplex receptacles may not have the same universal tamper-resistant requirement, as they address different usage scenarios and are typically less accessible to small children. Thus, the focus remains on standard receptacles used throughout kitchen countertops.