Many countries require outlets to be switched. Is that an advantage? By itself, no, because the curious kid can switch it on (and will have observed adults operating the switch). However, if a lockout mechanism can be made to prevent switching to ON unless a proper plug is fully inserted, and maybe even cause the switch to go to OFF when extracted, that could help. It would be more expensive than just a sliding device that can be operated by many kids still too young to understand not to mess with these holes. But it would be fairly effective even for some clever adults. Electricians would have to carry around a P-to-R pigtail to do voltage readings (like the kind used on power strips to squeeze in extra wall warts).
BTW, there are 5-15R outlets mated with switches (and perhaps 5-20R). But all I've seen of these are legacy type switch styles oriented horizontal (when installed with the switch above the outlets). I'd like to find the kind which have the same rocker switch as is found in many places in Europe, with a vertical orientation when the switch is above the outlet ... but for 5-15/20R in either the standard two hole or the rectangular hole plate style.
Last edited by pdh; 02/19/12 03:20 PM.