Receptacle Installation: Tamper-Resistant, Weather-Resistant, and Grounding

Finish (trim-out) is where devices get installed. Receptacles have specific listing requirements depending on where they go — and two different "resistant" types people constantly confuse.

1. Tamper-resistant (TR) — dwellings — 406.12

In dwelling units, essentially all 15- and 20-amp, 125/250 V nonlocking receptacles must be listed tamper-resistant. (CEC 406.12) TR receptacles have internal shutters that stop children from poking objects into the slots — that's their whole purpose. This includes attached and detached garages, accessory buildings, and multifamily common areas.

2. Weather-resistant (WR) — wet/damp — 406.9

Receptacles in wet or damp locations must be listed weather-resistant. (CEC 406.9)

• Damp location (e.g., covered porch): WR receptacle with an appropriate cover.
• Wet location (exposed outdoors): WR receptacle plus a listed "extra-duty" in-use cover that stays weatherproof even with a plug inserted. (CEC 406.9(B)(1)) ("Bubble cover" is the informal name; the code calls it an extra-duty weatherproof in-use enclosure.)