You don't have to be an electrical contractor to practice electrical safety. When you have children in the household, it's crucial that you childproof your cords, outlets, and other fixtures. Below are some care suggestions to help you keep your family safe.

How to Childproof Your Electrical System

1. Extension Cord Cover

Extension cords are a toddler tripping hazard, and they are also tempting for youngsters to pull on. This can topple lamps and end tables and sweep everything else onto the floor. To prevent this, consider an extension cord duct cover.

It is a curved, low-profile, rubber sheath that lets you hide one or more cords and keep them out of a baby's hands. It prevents tripping, protects the cords from being damaged when you step on them, and makes it easier to vacuum. They are easy to install, even without the help of an electrical contractor.

2. Extension Cord Shortener

Another way to deal with a long cord is to wrap it in a shortener—a plastic ball that contains several feet of wrapped cord. That way there is less to attract children's attention. Once it's wrapped, you can attach it to the underside of the furniture using accompanying Velcro strips.

3. Outlet Covers

Outlet covers prevent toddlers from accidentally shocking themselves. They come in several types. The cheapest are simple, plastic plug caps with tines that fit into the outlet. However, they must be removed—and stored somewhere safely—before you can use the outlet. A more convenient solution is a sliding plate cover that you can slide aside to plug in an appliance. It then snaps back automatically into place.

4. Tamper-Proof Outlets

From the outside, tamper-proof outlets look identical to the traditional kind. The difference is that it has a plastic barrier inside that prevents entry unless both socket holes are filled simultaneously. Thus, toddlers cannot insert a dropped utensil and injure themselves. If you are not comfortable performing the installation, you can call an electrical contractor.

Electrical safety is essential, especially when you have toddlers in the household, or your system needs repairs. For a high-quality electrical contractor at a fair price, contact Osterwisch Company in Cincinnati, OH. They are family owned and operated and have been serving the Tri-state area since 1946. They also specialize in plumbing, heating and cooling, and even geothermal installation. Visit their website to message them online or call (513) 791-3282 to schedule a consultation.