Originally posted by sparky:
All told, it looks like a safer arrangement to me, for say...daycare receptacles.
The fact that kids might poke things in outlets is the main point put forward in favor of the shutters. If you consider that our pins are much thicker than those on U.S. plugs, then the range of metal objects which could otherwise be inserted is much greater. The hot side is a full 240V to ground of course, so it would pack quite a jolt.
For several years now it's been possible to buy molded plastic blanks with plastic pins which fit into an outlet. I guess the theory is that kids would be slowed down even more by having to remove that first.
I understand that these blanks are now required to be fitted in unused outlets in certain places, including daycare. IEE Regs. are mandatory in many public buildings, but this rule isn't from the IEE.
Apparently it's from a new amendment to the Healh & Safety at Work Act or one of the other similar gestapo-like depts.
