Retail break room TR requirements?

[theWirewiz]

In a retail store's break room for employees, the manager is raising concerns about the TR receptacles. They've mentioned that these outlets can be troublesome for staff using microwaves and chargers for their phones. They're curious if the rules outlined in the NEC for employee-only areas in commercial buildings differ from those that apply to public spaces.

 

[Jshop]

In a retail store's break room for employees, the manager is raising concerns about the TR receptacles. They've mentioned that these outlets can be troublesome for staff using microwaves and chargers for their phones. They're curious if the rules outlined in the NEC for employee-only areas in commercial buildings differ from those that apply to public spaces.

TR receptacles typically aren't a must in employee-only break rooms, according to NEC. Still, local rules can be stricter for safety's sake, especially in commercial spots.

If those TR outlets are giving appliance plugs or phone chargers a hard time (this happens with old or cheap cords), the manager could think about putting in special outlets for appliances behind stuff that doesn't move. Also, nicer TR outlets with easier-to-use shutters could solve the problem.

 

[PGB1]

In a retail store's break room for employees, the manager is raising concerns about the TR receptacles. They've mentioned that these outlets can be troublesome for staff using microwaves and chargers for their phones. They're curious if the rules outlined in the NEC for employee-only areas in commercial buildings differ from those that apply to public spaces.

Regardless of NFPA 70 requirements, if the local AHJ requires tamper resistant, you're stuck with them.
Work Around A:
Plug-In outlet strips. (Don't mount them face up on counter tops for safety)

Work Around B:
After inspection and green tag, swap for normal devices.

Work Around C:
Remind the employees how lucky they are to have a nice break room in which to eat & to quit whining about the receptacles.

 

[General_Valeria]

NEC doesn't carve out an exception just because it's "employee-only." If it's a general-use 15/20A receptacle, it's TR no matter what. The annoyance factor with microwaves and chargers doesn't change the code.

 

[PGB1]

NEC doesn't carve out an exception just because it's "employee-only." If it's a general-use 15/20A receptacle, it's TR no matter what. The annoyance factor with microwaves and chargers doesn't change the code.

I'm not seeing in 406.12 the requirement for TR in a commercial building's break room unless it is in one of the few specified types of facilities and specific locations in those facilities.


But, as mentioned earlier, it's all up to the local code and the AHJ.

 

[Peard1sh]

In a retail store's break room for employees, the manager is raising concerns about the TR receptacles. They've mentioned that these outlets can be troublesome for staff using microwaves and chargers for their phones. They're curious if the rules outlined in the NEC for employee-only areas in commercial buildings differ from those that apply to public spaces.

if the microwave is the main issue, get an electrician to install a dedicated non TR outlet just for that appliance. The NEC often has an exception for a single, dedicated appliance that isn't moved.
For the phone chargers, it's a great idea to install a high quality outlet with easier shutters. Brands like Leviton or Hubbell are much better.
Or, as a quick fix, just keep a sturdy power strip in the break room for everyone to use, that'll save the wall outlets from a lot of wear and tear

 

[VoltagexV]

In a retail store's break room for employees, the manager is raising concerns about the TR receptacles. They've mentioned that these outlets can be troublesome for staff using microwaves and chargers for their phones. They're curious if the rules outlined in the NEC for employee-only areas in commercial buildings differ from those that apply to public spaces.

@theWirewiz, I'm with @PGB1. A typical employee-only retail break room does not require Tamper-Resistant receptacles under NEC 406.12. The TR rule is primarily for areas accessible to children so your employee break room is usually exempt. I'd agree that the local AHJ has the final say and can override the general code, so you have to follow their lead.