Babies and young children are naturally curious, and their desire to poke, prod, and taste-test everything within reach is a normal part of development. However, as any parent knows, that curiosity can sometimes get them into tricky situations.
Since the last thing you want is for your child to stick a finger into an outlet or chew on an electrical cord, it’s important to take the time to childproof your home’s electrical system. Our experienced electrical technicians are here to help you keep your family safe with essential outlet and cord safety tips. Check them out below!
Outlet Safety Tips for Your Home
Electrical outlets are often right at a child’s eye level, making them a tempting target for little fingers. Luckily, there are simple yet effective ways to make them much safer. Here are our outlet childproofing tips:
Install Tamper-Resistant Outlets
One of the best solutions for protecting children from electrical hazards is to replace standard outlets with tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs). These outlets have built-in spring-loaded shutters that only open when equal pressure is applied to both prongs of a plug — meaning a child’s finger, toy, or object can’t easily be inserted. In fact, TRRs are now required by code in new homes because of their proven safety benefits. If your home was built before these standards took effect, request an outlet installation from your local electrician as soon as possible to upgrade to tamper-resistant outlets.
Use Outlet Covers or Safety Plugs
If you’re not ready to replace outlets entirely, consider using plastic outlet caps or box-style covers. Outlet caps are simple, inexpensive inserts that plug directly into unused outlets, while box covers fully enclose both the outlet and any plugs that remain connected. Just be sure to choose covers that fit snugly and can’t be easily removed by small hands.
For a more permanent option, you can choose sliding outlet covers. These devices automatically close when plugs are removed to offer continuous protection without the risk of forgetting to replace a cap.
Keep Outlets Out of Reach When Possible
If you’re renovating or designing a nursery or playroom, consider installing outlets higher on the wall or in areas where furniture can safely block them. This will keep dangerous outlets out of sight, out of mind — and far out of reach.
Remember Not to Overload Outlets
Even if your outlets are childproofed, overloaded circuits can still create hazards like sparks or short circuits. Avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet or using low-quality power strips. For households with multiple devices in one area, a certified surge protector can help manage electrical flow safely.
Cord Safety Tips to Prevent Hazards
Cords present a triple threat, as children can chew on them, pull on them, or trip over them. To keep your little ones safe, put these cord safety tips into practice:
Keep Cords Short and Tidy
Keep electrical cords shortened with cord shorteners, organizers, clips, or cable boxes, and never leave them dangling within reach. You can also hide cords behind furniture or secure them along baseboards using cord covers for a clean, finished look.
Avoid Running Cords Under Rugs or Furniture
It might seem convenient to tuck cords out of sight, but this can actually lead to overheating or fraying. Always keep cords visible and free from obstruction so you can inspect them regularly for wear and tear.
Replace Damaged or Frayed Cords Immediately
If an electrical cord shows any sign of damage, replace it right away. Damaged cords not only pose a risk of electrical shock but can also spark fires. Also, be sure to use cords and extension cables that match the voltage rating of the device.
Manage Power Strips
Power strips are often on the floor, making them a prime target for curious babies and toddlers. Keep them hidden behind furniture or mounted to the underside of a desk, or use a power strip safety cover, which covers the entire strip, to keep the cords and plugs away from little hands.
Unplug When Not in Use
Even if a device isn’t powered on, electricity still flows to the cord and outlet. Unplugging small appliances when not in use eliminates unnecessary risks and saves energy in the process.
Get Help From Staley Electric in Safeguarding Your Electrical System
When it comes to protecting your children from electrical hazards, a little prevention goes a long way. And our licensed electricians in Little Rock, AR, are here to help childproof your electrical outlets so that you don’t have to worry about a thing.
We also offer routine home safety checks through our Staley Shield program, designed to keep your home protected year-round. During a safety inspection, our team tests outlets, inspects cords and wiring, and verifies that your electrical system meets current safety standards. We can then perform timely outlet repairs to give you the reassurance that your family is protected from life-threatening hazards.
If you live in the Little Rock, AR, area and want to learn more about our Staley Shield program or other outlet safety tips, contact our friendly team today. Let’s work together to make your home a safer place for the ones you love most.
