How do I childproof electrical outlets and what does the code require in New Brunswick?

Electrical outlets are one of the leading sources of childhood electrical injury in Canadian homes. Young children are naturally curious about those small slots in the wall at exactly their eye level. New Brunswick building code and the Canadian Electrical Code have specific requirements for tamper-resistant outlets, and there are additional steps parents can take beyond code minimums.

CEC Code Requirements

The Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) has required tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs) in new construction and renovations since the 2015 edition of the code. TSANB enforces this requirement in New Brunswick.

What's required:

• All 15-amp and 20-amp, 125V receptacles in dwelling units must be tamper-resistant


• This applies to every outlet in the home — bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, garages


• Applies to new construction and any renovation where outlets are replaced or new circuits are added


• Does NOT retroactively require replacement of existing outlets in older homes (unless those outlets are being modified as part of other work)

What tamper-resistant means: TRR outlets have internal spring-loaded shutters that cover the contact slots. Both shutters must be depressed simultaneously (as happens when inserting a standard plug with two or three prongs) to open. A child poking a single object (paperclip, key, fork, finger) into one slot cannot open the shutter — the mechanism requires simultaneous equal pressure on both slots.

TRR outlets are identified by the letters "TR" stamped on the face of the receptacle between the slots. They look and function identically to standard outlets when inserting a normal plug — adults don't notice any difference in daily use.

How Tamper-Resistant Outlets Work

The internal mechanism is elegantly simple:

Two spring-loaded plastic shutters sit behind the outlet slots

Each shutter blocks access to the energized contact behind it

When a plug is inserted, both prongs press both shutters simultaneously with roughly equal force

The shutters are mechanically linked — they only open when both are pressed at the same time

A single object in one slot pushes only one shutter, which stays locked because the other shutter isn't engaged

This mechanism has been proven in testing to resist children's attempts to insert objects. The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) testing protocol involves children ages 2–4 attempting to insert various objects into the outlet — TRR outlets have a near-perfect safety record in these tests.

Upgrading Existing Outlets

If your NB home was built before TRR outlets were required (pre-2015), your existing outlets are almost certainly standard (non-tamper-resistant). Upgrading is straightforward:

DIY replacement:

Turn off the breaker for the circuit

Verify power is off with a voltage tester

Remove the old outlet (two screws holding it in the box, then disconnect wires)

Connect wires to the new TRR outlet (same connections — hot to brass screw, neutral to silver screw, ground to green screw)

Secure in box and install cover plate

Cost per outlet:

• TRR outlet: $3–$6 each (very inexpensive — available at Kent Building Supplies, Home Hardware, Canadian Tire)


• DIY time: 10–15 minutes per outlet


• Electrician: $10–$20 per outlet for labour if you prefer professional installation

A whole-house upgrade (20–30 outlets in a typical NB home): $60–$180 DIY or $300–$600 with an electrician. No TSANB permit is required for like-for-like outlet replacement (same box, same wiring).

Beyond Code: Additional Childproofing Measures

While TRR outlets provide excellent protection against the most common hazard (inserting objects into unused outlets), additional measures further reduce risk:

Outlet Covers and Plates

Sliding cover plates: These decorative plates have a spring-loaded sliding cover that closes over the outlet slots when no plug is inserted. The cover slides aside when you insert a plug. Cost: $3–$8 each. Advantage: works even if you haven't upgraded to TRR outlets.

Box-type outlet covers: Clear plasstic boxes that cover the entire outlet, including any plugged-in cords. The cord exits through a small slot in the bottom. Prevents children from pulling plugs out and accessing the partially exposed prongs. Cost: $3–$5 each. Essential for outlets where cords remain plugged in (behind the TV, computer area, nightstand chargers).

Blank plates: For outlets that are never used (behind furniture, in storage areas), replace the outlet cover plate with a blank cover plate — a solid plate with no outlet openings. Cost: $1–$2 each. The ultimate protection for unused locations.

Plug Inserts (The Cheap But Flawed Option)

The small plastic plug inserts that push into unused outlet slots are the most commonly purchased childproofing product — and arguably the least effective:

• Children as young as 2 can learn to pull them out (they're designed to be removed easily by adults)
• Once removed, they become a choking hazard (perfectly sized for a toddler's airway)
• They give a false sense of security
• They fall out and get lost, leaving the outlet unprotected

Recommendation: Skip the plug inserts entirely. TRR outlets are far more effective, can't be removed by children, and don't create a choking risk. The cost difference is minimal ($3 for inserts vs. $3–$6 for a TRR outlet that permanently solves the problem).

Cord Management

Electrical cords are a hazard beyond just the outlets:

• Cord shorteners: Wind excess cord length into a cord shortener to eliminate loops that children can wrap around themselves. Cost: $3–$8 each.
• Cord covers: Adhesive plastic channels that attach cords to the wall, keeping them out of reach and preventing tugging. Cost: $5–$15 per 6-foot length.
• Behind-furniture cord management: Use velcro ties or cable management boxes to bundle cords behind entertainment centres and desks where children might reach.

GFCI Protection

While not specifically a childproofing measure, GFCI outlets in areas where children play provide critical shock protection:

• All bathroom outlets must be GFCI-protected (CEC requirement)
• Kitchen countertop outlets must be GFCI-protected (CEC requirement)
• Consider adding GFCI protection to playroom, nursery, and basement outlets where children spend time — especially in older NB homes where these outlets may not currently have GFCI protection

A GFCI outlet trips in 1/40th of a second when it detects a ground fault — fast enough to prevent serious injury if a child manages to contact a live conductor.

GFCI + TRR combination outlets are available — a single device that provides both tamper resistance and ground fault protection. Cost: $15–$25 each (more than a standard TRR but provides dual protection).

Room-by-Room Priority

Focus childproofing efforts on the areas where young children spend the most unsupervised time:

Highest priority:

• Nursery/child's bedroom — all outlets to TRR, cord management on lamps and monitors


• Living room/playroom — TRR outlets, box covers on outlets with plugged-in cords, cord management


• Kitchen — already GFCI-protected per code, but add TRR if outlets are standard; keep small appliance cords out of reach

Medium priority:

• Hallways and common areas — TRR outlets


• Bathrooms — already GFCI-protected; add TRR and keep appliance cords (hair dryers, curling irons) unplugged and stored when not in use

Lower priority (but still recommended):

• Basement — TRR outlets, especially in finished areas


• Garage — TRR outlets; keep power tool cords managed and tools unplugged


• Outdoor outlets — should already have weatherproof covers; add TRR if replacing

Cost Summary for Whole-Home Childproofing

| Item | Quantity (typical NB home) | Cost |
|------|--------------------------|------|
| TRR outlets | 25–35 | $75–$210 |
| Box-type cord covers | 5–8 | $15–$40 |
| Sliding cover plates (high-traffic areas) | 5–10 | $15–$80 |
| GFCI+TRR combo (playroom, nursery) | 2–4 | $30–$100 |
| Cord management (shorteners, covers) | Assorted | $20–$50 |
| Total DIY | | $155–$480 |
| Total with electrician | | $400–$900 |

For most New Brunswick families, a $200–$400 investment in TRR outlets and basic cord management provides comprehensive electrical childproofing that meets code requirements and exceeds them in high-risk areas. It's one of the most cost-effective child safety improvements you can make in your home.

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