User: Cartoon1, Location: Florida
Asked on: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 2:23 pm EDT
Answered on: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 2:43 pm EDT
Question: Hello all. I have seen this talked about, but i want to make sure I'm looking at it correctly. Are tamper resistant receptacles required for a commercial building that has offices, corridors, an open waiting space in the front (Non-medical related), just office an office business space. For NEC 2020.My understanding 406.12 (Business offices) is referencing rooms in a medical building scenario and that they are not required anywhere in a office type building. Is that correct or am i misunderstanding this?2020 : 406.12(5) Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices, and outpatient facilitiesThank you,
You are understanding it correctly.NEC 2020 Section 406.12(5) specifically states "business offices, corridors, waiting rooms and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices, and outpatient facilities." Since your commercial building is not a medical facility, tamper-resistant receptacles are not required based on this section.Therefore, in a standard office building with offices, corridors, and a waiting area that is not part of a medical or dental facility, tamper-resistant receptacles are not required by the NEC 2020 under section 406.12.Important Considerations: State and Local Amendments
Always check for any state or local amendments to the NEC. Some jurisdictions may have adopted stricter requirements than the national electrical code. This is the most crucial step in confirming your understanding.
Other NEC Sections
While 406.12(5) doesn't apply, double-check the entire NEC for other sections that might necessitate tamper-resistant receptacles based on specific uses (e.g., locations with small children regularly present). This is highly unlikely in a typical office environment, but due diligence is important.
Client Preference/Future Proofing
Even if not required by code, your client might prefer them for added safety or future-proofing. This is a design decision outside of code requirements.
Definition of "Waiting Room" - Potential Gray Area: While less likely in a general office, if the waiting area has features making it akin to a daycare or a space where children are regularly unsupervised, a more conservative interpretation could be argued. However, in a typical office waiting area, this is a stretch.In summary: Your understanding of NEC 2020 Section 406.12(5) is correct. Tamper-resistant receptacles are not required in a standard commercial office building of the type you described. However, verify local amendments and consider client needs. Flag for review