Ways to Childproof Your Home's Electrical Outlets

Children's natural curiosity may lead them to explore potential hazards like electrical outlets, posing a significant risk of injury.

Children are naturally curious about their surroundings. However, that curiosity can encourage them to explore potential hazards, such as electrical outlets, which pose a high risk of injury. But how do homeowners keep their children safe from such harm?

Let's discuss how to secure electrical outlets to protect children.

Use outlet covers

Outlet covers are plastic with two prongs on one side and a flat surface on the other. Homeowners can insert these covers into outlets when not in use. This will shut off electrical sources and prevent children from accessing or poking objects into the outlets, which may cause electrocution.

Install Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

GFCIs cut off electric power whenever the electrical current is imbalanced. They track current flow and automatically shut off power to outlets when they sense any leakage from the circuit.

Homeowners can integrate these circuit breakers into their electrical systems, especially in rooms with water and electrical outlets, to protect children from electrocution.

Address exposed extension cords

Extension cords help homeowners utilize electrical outlets that are out of the way. However, in addition to being trip hazards for people and pets, children may chew on the cords, leading to shorting and shocks.

Babies may also stumble on frayed wires from worn-out cords and get a potentially dangerous shock. Homeowners can proof their homes by rearranging furniture or rugs to make the cords less accessible. Alternatively, they can use cable clips to firmly secure cords and re-route them away from the reach of children.

Turn off and unplug electrical appliances

Electrical appliances are often left plugged into outlets and powered down instead of being turned off. In this condition, they risk injury and shocks to children.

After use, it is best to turn off tools such as irons, hair dryers, and shavers and unplug them from sockets. Better yet, these appliances should be kept in high places, away from the reach of children.

Block access to some rooms

Toddlers can be hard to watch, and parents always have to be on the lookout for danger. The best way to protect them is to deny them access to certain rooms in the house.

Educate older children

Childproofing electrical outlets involves educating older kids about electrical dangers. This includes issues such as not overloading sockets, not unplugging appliances before turning them off, the correct use of power tools, and emergency protocols in case of accidents.

Keep children safe from electricity

Although electricity is vital to many homes, it also has the potential to harm young children. Homeowners should take all necessary precautions to keep children away from electrical outlets. They can also consult professional electricians for maintenance checks and guidance on child safety.

ACT Electric is a full-service residential and commercial electrical contractor company specializing in electrical installation, repairs, and upgrades, electrical troubleshooting, electrical remodeling, electrical home inspection, and electrical retrofitting. We always prioritize customer comfort and safety. Give us a call at (480) 986-1722 today!