As a parent, creating a safe environment for your children at home is always a priority, to minimise (although never completely eliminate!) the risks and hazards. We keep medication out of sight of curious eyes, move sharps away from little hands and pick up trip hazards without thinking about it. But safeguarding children from the dangers of electricity, as well as educating them about it, is just as important as they encounter electrical plug sockets, cords, and their associated hazards, from the moment they wake up to when their bedroom light gets switched off at bedtime.
What are the risks?
Electrical outlets and cords are part of everyday life, and are often within easy reach of curious children. The risks associated with these include:
- Electric Shock: Children may insert objects or fingers into electrical plug sockets, leading to severe injury or even fatality.
- Strangulation Hazards: Loose cords can pose a strangulation risk to young children.
- Fire Hazards: Damaged or frayed cords can ignite, posing a fire risk.
What can I do to minimise the risks?
DON’T cover the plug sockets!!
Why not, you say? Well, British 13-amp plug sockets are designed for safety, with plastic barriers that block access to the electrical current when the socket is empty. Inserting a plug moves the barrier, allowing electricity to flow.
However, objects like plastic plug protectors can also move the barrier, leaving the circuit exposed and increasing the risk of electric shocks. These protectors can be inserted incorrectly or broken, further compromising safety. In essence, using a plug protector negates the safety features of UK sockets, raising the risk of shocks, electrical fires, and socket damage.
Educate your children
Ultimately, education and understanding is the best preventative tool we can give our children regarding electrical safety. Simple, age-appropriate explanations about why they should not play with plug sockets, along with consistent supervision, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure our children grow up aware of the hazards everyday electrical items can pose.
Rearrange the furniture
A simple trick, but a sensible, free and effective one! Placing large, bulky furniture in front of outlets that are not in use prevents children from reaching them. Cord shorteners can also be used to keep excess cords out of reach, to avoid children tugging on them (and inevitably pulling over a bedside lamp!)
Install Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
Tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs) are designed with a spring-loaded cover that seals off the plug slots. These outlets only open when equal pressure is applied simultaneously to both slots, as when plugging in a cord, making it difficult for children to insert foreign objects. Installing TRRs is a highly effective way to childproof your home and is recommended by electrical safety organisations.
Conduct regular safety checks
Carry out regular safety checks around your home to ensure all electrical outlets are adequately childproofed and that no wear and tear on the sockets, or cords, could pose a risk. Check that all outlet covers and plates are in place and undamaged, and replace any that are loose or broken. Keep cords neat and tucked away out of sight, where possible, and ensure that plug sockets aren’t overloaded. For further information on general electrical safety at home, check out our March blog.
And if you want to call in the professionals for a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) of your fixed wiring, give us a shout – our comprehensive survey will find out if any outlets are overloaded, if there are any potential risks or fire hazards and if there is any defective electrical work.
Ensuring the electrical safety of your home is a vital aspect of childproofing, protecting your loved ones from potential dangers. If you’re considering enhancing the safety of your electrical outlets or need professional advice on childproofing your home, including installing TRRs or carrying out an EICR, contact Carter Electrical Installation today for friendly advice and to schedule a consultation to improve the safety of your home.outdoor spaces, LED lighting offers a bright, efficient, and sustainable option. Contact us today if you want to make the change to LED – there’s no job too small for us at Carter Electrical Installation!