The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has just released its latest update to the Canadian Electrical Code, with a number of changes to the requirements for new homes. The Code serves as the basis for electrical regulations in this country but are reviewed and adopted independently by provincial and territorial governments. It is updated every three years. Most notably, the 21st edition of the Code contains requirements for all new homes to have child-proof electrical outlets by means of tamper-resistant receptacles designed to reduce the possibility of inserting fingers or other items, like pins, keys and nails, into the plugs.
The CSA cites a study by the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) on electrical injuries in children, which logged 365 children treated in emergency rooms for electrical injuries due to placing a conductive object or finger in an electrical outlet (over a six-year period). Of those injured, 37% needed medical follow-up treatment and 11% required admission to a hospital. There was one reported fatality. Furthermore, two-thirds of all electrical injuries were sustained by children five years of age or under, and 74% of all electrical injuries took place in the child's own home.
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