Throughout your home, there are many electrical hazards you have to safeguard young children from. Even regularly used items, such as electrical switches, cords, and outlets, are of great interest to kids just learning to scoot around the house. Thanks to the precautions below, you can effectively childproof your home and prevent infants from getting into these potentially dangerous items.

5 Ways to Childproof Your Electrical Switches & Outlets

1. Use Outlet Covers

The holes in electrical outlets are typically large enough to fit a baby’s finger and cause electrocution. There’s also a chance they may insert foreign objects into vacant power outlets. Prevent them from getting into these power outlets by keeping them covered with outlet caps.

2. Secure Electrical Wiring

Using long cords can put children at risk in a number of ways. There’s a chance of them tripping over the wires and getting injured. Additionally, they can tug on the cords, causing connected devices to fall on top of them. If a child chews or breaks a cord, they could be electrocuted.

3. Avoid Leaving Appliances Plugged In

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to leave devices and appliances plugged in for convenience. However, this habit may be a precursor to electrical hazards if you have young children at home. Stow away small appliances once you’re finished using them. Since water conducts electricity, avoid plugging devices into outlets close to the sink or bathtub.

4. Add Switch Guards

Flipping an electrical switch on and off may seem like an interesting activity to a young child. But the constant back and forth can cause an electrical spark, increasing the risk of an accidental fire. As a safety measure, install a switch guard to childproof the lights.

5. Use Power Strips With Safety Buttons

Power strips are convenient when you have a number of appliances you need to operate simultaneously. Use plastic outlet plugs to keep children from putting their fingers inside an open outlet. In addition, it helps to opt for boards with a pre-installed safety button that can be used to circumvent electrical hazards.

 

Ensuring proper safety is imperative when you have young children around the house. Turn to the experts at Shaffer Electric to furnish you with efficient childproofing measures for your home. Serving the Greater Sacramento, CA, area, these licensed electricians have effective solutions to keep your family safe. For more information about electrical switches and other services offered, call (916) 687-7555 or visit the website.