If you have children, a baby on the way, or pets, ask an electrician to install tamper-resistant outlets throughout your home. These outlets are designed with built-in safety features which prevent accidents and protect children and animals. Here's a breakdown of how tamper-resistant outlets work so you can make the best decision for your family.

The Mechanism of Tamper-Resistant Outlets

Children are notorious for putting narrow objects or their fingers into electrical outlets, with potentially fatal results. Tamper-resistant outlets are designed not to let anything except an actual electrical plug inside. To achieve this, there is a small cover inside each opening of the outlet, which only slides away when both sides are pressed at the same time. Other models have a sliding plate in front of the outlet which must be pushed to the side to expose the openings.

How Outlet Covers Help

In the case of both designs, the complicated mechanism to open the outlet are usually enough to deter small children. They take more coordination to open, and usually can't be accessed by children who don't know how they work. By the time they're old enough to figure it out, they're also old enough to understand the danger that electrical outlets pose.

Limitations

While tamper-proof outlets are highly recommended by electricians and prevent many accidents every year, they aren't a perfect solution. It's still possible for a child to discover other electrical hazards like cords and exposed wiring. Tamper-resistant outlets should be combined with other protective measures, like wrapping up cords and securing them with zip ties, and supervising your child when they're near electrical devices.

If you need an electrician to make your home safe for your child, call Gutridge Electric in Newark, OH. With over 35 years of experience, this fully licensed, family-owned company provides both commercial and residential service to Licking County and commercial service only to Muskingum County. To schedule a visit from an electrician, call (740) 349-7624 or send a message online.