How to electrically childproof your home.
How to electrically childproof your home for your child.
For some, this year is a time when new life is brought into this world. Preceding this event, it’s your responsibility, as a parent, to ensure your child’s safety in every way possible. Before you bring your new baby home, it’s important that you childproof your home, especially when it comes to any type of electrical source.
Babies are notorious for getting into things they shouldn’t. Children are always at risk of sticking their fingers in electrical sockets or pulling down appliances by their cord, so electrical childproofing needs to be a constant effort. We have provided you with a few tips on how to childproof the electrical appliances in your home and keep your child safe.
Tamper resistant outlets
For small children, electrical outlets look like faces that need to be fed. If your child just happens to stick something in there that’s metal, it can lead to disaster.
According to the national fire protection association, approximately 2,400 children suffer from severe shock and burns after sticking a metal object into an outlet. In addition, approximately 12 of these children will likely die from these injuries each year. One way you can prevent this from happening to your child is by installing tamper resistant outlets.
If your home was built before 2008, then your home probably has standard outlets. With tamper resistant outlets, the slots are covered by a small piece of plastic. The only time this piece of plastic moves is when it feels the sensation of something being plugged in.
Electrical safety caps
Electrical safety caps are plastic covers that plug into empty outlets. Before you purchase these, make sure you determine what kind of outlet you have, whether it be a standard or decora. The difference between the two is that one needs to be attached to the outlet with a screw and the other just snaps on. One drawback to this temporary solution is that if you use that particular outlet frequently, you will need to remove the cover and remember to plug it back in once you’re done using it.
Safe plate electrical outlet covers
Safe plate electrical outlet covers are another way in which you can prevent your child from sticking objects into an electrical outlet. This tool has a spring-loaded plastic cover and can only be accessed if you slide the safety cover into the correct position.
Move furniture in front of electrical outlets
Since children tend to stick things into outlets and pull on cords to certain appliances, an easy fix is to move a piece of furniture in front of the outlet with cords plugged into it.
Baby safety outlet covers
Though moving furniture in front of outlets may seem like an impractical solution, there is always another option. Baby safety outlet covers are plastic, box-like covers that make it difficult for your child to unplug a cord. The plugs are protected by having the cord cinched to the side.
Other methods
If you want to make sure you know all of your options when it comes to childproofing your home, we have provided you with a few more below.
- Duct tap cords to the wall or to the floor.
- Shorten any cords that are attached to an appliance that seem too long.
- Don’t leave any cords hanging over the edge of any flat surface.
Skellec Electical's goal is to operate above industry standards and provide quality services to meet your needs and surpass your expectations. Contact Skellec Electrical today to find out more information and to set up an appointment.
