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3Hotdogs

(15,124 posts) Tue Jan 20, 2026, 12:41 PM Jan 20

Electrical problem. A dedicated line with two receptacles was installed several years ago.

I took the microwave plug out of the receptacle so I could reposition it. When I went to put the plug back it, both receptacles seem to be blocked with a gray plate instead of seeing a black space.

Neither receptacle will accept the plug.

Yes, I know about the big and little prongs on the plug.

5 replies

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Electrical problem. A dedicated line with two receptacles was installed several years ago. (Original Post) 3Hotdogs Jan 20 OP

It's a child safe receptacle Jughead Jan 20 #1

that's one of those Rver Jan 20 #2

They may be Tamper Resistant Receptacles. TRRs have internal shutters, and RockRaven Jan 20 #3

Thanks. It worked. "Child proof." Like when I use'ta put my pen knives in the plugs and Dad would have to take some 3Hotdogs Jan 20 #4

Yup Jughead Jan 20 #5

Jughead

(132 posts)

1. It's a child safe receptacle

Reply to 3Hotdogs (Original post)

Tue Jan 20, 2026, 12:43 PM

Jan 20

Just push the plug in hard and it will go in.

Rver

(244 posts)

2. that's one of those

Reply to 3Hotdogs (Original post)

Tue Jan 20, 2026, 12:46 PM

Jan 20

child proof recepticals. Try placing the plug at an angle and wiggle it a little to get it to go.

RockRaven

(18,892 posts)

3. They may be Tamper Resistant Receptacles. TRRs have internal shutters, and

Reply to 3Hotdogs (Original post)

Tue Jan 20, 2026, 12:49 PM

Jan 20

require the plug to be inserted evenly (i.e. one should try to get both prongs to be at the same depth at the same time). They can be kind of annoying to use.

3Hotdogs

(15,124 posts)

4. Thanks. It worked. "Child proof." Like when I use'ta put my pen knives in the plugs and Dad would have to take some

Reply to 3Hotdogs (Original post)

Tue Jan 20, 2026, 12:53 PM

Jan 20

glass and metal things down to the basement and do something with 'em. I remember he would always be swearing when I did that. Sometimes even the bad "F" word.

Jughead

(132 posts)

5. Yup

Reply to 3Hotdogs (Reply #4)

Tue Jan 20, 2026, 02:07 PM

Jan 20

That was me with a butter knife the first time. After that I figured out an insulated screw driver didn’t shock me. We had dozens of spare glass fuses on hand as I had 2 younger brothers who learned from me.

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