Childproofing your home is an essential step in ensuring your little one’s safety. While we might be vigilant about obvious dangers, the electrical system in our homes can often be overlooked.
Children are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings, which can sometimes lead them into potentially dangerous situations. So, it’s crucial to take some steps to childproof your electrical setups.
In this blog post, we’ll explore smart ways to childproof your home’s electrical system.
Understanding the Risks
Electricity is a vital part of our day-to-day life, but it poses significant dangers.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to electrical hazards due to their natural mind curiosity and lack of understanding about potential dangers. Additionally, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) reports that around 1,000 children under the age of 15 are admitted to hospital every year due to electrical accidents. Moreover, around 350,000 people in the UK receive serious electrical shocks each year.
Electrical shocks can cause burns, internal injuries, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest. It’s essential to remember that even seemingly minor shocks can have long-term consequences for a child’s health.
Here are the primary areas of concern:
- Electrical Outlets: Exposed outlets are a major risk as children may insert fingers or objects into them.
- Electrical Cords: Long, dangling cords can be tempting to pull or chew on.
- Appliances: Unsecured appliances can be pulled down, causing injury.
- Power Strips and Extension Leads: These are often overloaded and within easy reach.
- Switches and Panels: Access to switches and electrical panels can lead to dangerous tampering.
Smart Solutions for Childproofing
Childproof Outlet Covers
One of the simplest yet most effective measures is to install childproof outlet covers. These covers prevent children from inserting objects into the outlets. The use of outlet covers can reduce the risk of electrical shock by up to 90%.
Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
Tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs) are a more advanced solution and proven to significantly reduce electrical injuries among children. These are designed with spring-loaded shutters that close off the slots of the receptacle. Only when a plug is inserted with equal pressure on both sides will the shutters open.
Cord Shorteners and Organisers
Loose or dangling cords pose a tripping hazard and can also be tempting for children to pull on. To prevent children from pulling on or chewing electrical cords, use cord shorteners, organisers, clips or ties to secure cords to walls or furniture, keeping them out of reach. These devices keep cords neatly wrapped and out of reach.
Securing Appliances
Ensure that all appliances, especially heavy ones like televisions and microwaves, are securely fastened to prevent them from being pulled down. Use wall mounts, brackets, and anti-tip straps to secure these items. Our electricians always recommend regularly checking the stability of large appliances and securing them properly.
Power Strip Covers
Power strips and extension leads can pose a significant risk if not properly managed. Using power strip covers can prevent children from accessing the sockets. Additionally, opt for power strips with built-in safety features such as electric surge protection and automatic shut-off.
Lockable Switches and Panels
Install lockable covers on switches and electrical panels to prevent tampering. This is particularly important for panels that control critical systems like heating, air ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Keeping these areas locked can prevent accidental disruptions and potential hazards.
Outlet Plates with Built-in Shutters
Consider upgrading to outlet plates that have built-in safety shutters. These shutters only open when a plug is inserted with the correct force and configuration, making it difficult for children to access the electrical contacts.
Outdoor Electrical Safety
If you have outdoor outlets, ensure they are protected by weatherproof covers and use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent shocks in wet conditions.
Educating Your Children About Electrical Safety
While physical barriers are essential, educating your children about the dangers of electricity is equally important. Start teaching them from an early age about the importance of not touching electrical outlets, cords, and appliances. Use age-appropriate language and explain the potential consequences in a way they can understand.
Age-Appropriate Education
- Toddlers (1-3 years): Use simple phrases like “No touch, dangerous” and consistently reinforce this message.
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): Explain that electricity can cause burns and injuries and demonstrate safe behaviour around electrical items.
- School-age children (6+ years): Provide more detailed explanations about how electricity works and the importance of safety measures.
Smart Childproofing Solutions: Embracing Technology
Beyond the basics, technology offers innovative solutions that can add an extra advanced layer of protection to your home’s electrical system. Smart plugs, for instance, allow you to remotely control the power supply to appliances, ensuring they are turned off when not in use. You can even set schedules for when appliances should turn on or off, adding convenience to safety.
Smart outlet covers are another cutting-edge option. These covers use sensors to detect when an object is inserted and automatically shut off power to prevent shocks. Some models even send alerts to your smartphone if an outlet is left uncovered for an extended period.
Specific Areas to Focus On
Living Room
The living room is often the hub of family activity, making it a critical area to childproof. Ensure all outlets are covered and cords are managed. Use furniture to block access to outlets and secure heavy appliances like TVs and stereos to the wall to prevent them from tipping over.
Kitchen
The kitchen is another high-risk area with many electrical appliances and outlets. Keep appliances like kettles, toasters, and microwaves out of reach and unplugged when not in use. Install safety locks on lower cabinets to prevent children from accessing small appliances.
Bedrooms
In children’s bedrooms, ensure that nightlights and other electrical devices are kept away from beds and cribs. Use cord shorteners for lamps and other plugged-in items. Consider using battery-operated devices where possible to eliminate the risk of electrical hazards.
Professional Help and Regular Maintenance
While many childproofing measures can be implemented by parents, some tasks require professional assistance. As a reputed residential and commercial electrical contractor, we have seen all the good and bad. We always suggest having a qualified electrician to inspect your home’s electrical system, particularly if you live in an older property. An electrician can:
- Check for outdated wiring and replace it if necessary.
- Install additional safety features such as circuit breakers and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
- Ensure that all electrical installations comply with current safety standards.
Regular maintenance is also provided by our residential electricans in London, Essex, and Kent. We can periodically check outlets, cords, and appliances for signs of wear and tear. Also, all the damaged items will be replaced immediately to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
Childproofing your home’s electrical system is a smart step for your child’s safety. However, it’s always best to consult with a qualified electrician. BSES is a NICEIC certified and the leading electrical contractor in the country, offering expert inspection service and tailored solutions.
By taking proactive steps, utilising available resources, and partnering with our professionals, you can create a secure environment around your children so they can explore and learn without unnecessary risks.
Remember, even small changes can make a big difference.
