Welcome to the rollercoaster of parenthood — where every joyful moment brings a new worry, like keeping your little one safe from every possible danger. One crucial step is childproofing your home, starting with your electrical outlets.

Children are naturally curious and love to explore, but electrical outlets are the ultimate forbidden fruit for tiny adventurers. Surprisingly, a survey by The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reveals that almost one-third of parents have not taken steps to childproof the numerous outlets in their homes.

This post is your guide to keeping those inquisitive hands safe from electrical hazards. With Lee Company’s eight decades of experience in home services and electrical safety across the Southeast, we’ll share our expert tips for childproofing your home and solutions to make your home a safe space for your little ones.

Understanding Electrical Outlet Hazards for Children

Young children have a knack for finding mischief in the most unexpected spots. Electrical outlets are often at eye level for toddlers, making them a tempting target for exploration. Sadly, those innocent-looking outlets are wolves in sheep’s clothing, posing dangers that can zap their fun adventures into a parent’s nightmare.

Each year, roughly 2,400 children experience severe shocks and burns from inserting objects into electrical outlets – that’s almost seven children per day.

Like most accidents, this can happen in the blink of an eye. Even more alarming, these incidents result in six to twelve fatalities annually. For parents, these statistics should be a stark reminder of the importance of electrical safety.

Here are some common electrical hazards for children:

• Unprotected Outlets: Little ones can easily insert fingers, toys, and other objects into unprotected outlets, risking exposure to electrical currents.
• Loose Outlets: Outlets that are not properly mounted or have loose faceplates can be pulled out by curious hands, exposing live wires.
• Damaged Cords: Kids may play with or chew on cords, fraying the wires and potentially causing electric shocks.
• Accessible Power Strips: Power strips left on the floor or within reach can be tampered with, exposing anyone to live electrical currents.
• Water and Electricity: Little adventurers often associate water with fun, but it’s a dangerous mix when it comes to electricity. Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets are top areas of concern.

Types of Childproofing Solutions for Electrical Outlets

To keep your kiddos safe (and your sanity intact!), consider these childproofing solutions for your electrical outlets:

Outlet Covers and Plug Protectors

Outlet covers and plug protectors are simple plastic devices that fit into the openings of your outlets. They block access to electrical currents, preventing fingers or other objects from being inserted. They’re inexpensive and can be removed easily by adults when needed.

Make sure you do your homework on which outlet covers are genuinely childproof. An older study by Temple University found that every single toddler tested could remove a specific type of plastic outlet cap in under 10 seconds. While newer designs might be tougher to remove, it’s still worth investing in high-quality outlet covers with good reviews when childproofing your home.

Tamper-Resistant Outlets (TRRs)

Tamper-resistant outlets (TRRs) are the newest standard for residential electrical receptacles. Haven’t heard of them? Most parents are in the same boat, with the Electrical Safety Foundation reporting that 44% of people are completely unaware of TRRs. If your home was built or remodeled after 2008, you likely already have them, but if not, it’s worth upgrading.

Unlike traditional outlets, TRRs are designed with spring-loaded shutters that prevent foreign objects from entering the openings. They only open when equal pressure is applied simultaneously to both sides of the shutter, making them childproof and protecting against accidental shocks for adults.

Sliding Outlet Covers

Sliding outlet covers are a fantastic option for parents who want an extra layer of security. These covers have a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically closes the outlet when it’s not in use. Simply slide the cover to the side when you need to plug something in.

While these tend to be more expensive than basic outlet covers or TRRs, they are a fantastic choice for high-traffic areas like living rooms.

Outlet Box Guards

Outlet box guards take childproofing to the next level by encasing the entire outlet and plug behind a plastic shield. These guards are handy for outlets that are always in use, such as those for lamps, TVs, or other electronics that stay plugged in.

By completely enclosing the outlet and plug, these guards prevent little fingers from accessing any part of the electrical current. This is a great option for busy parents who need a more permanent solution to keep their children safe.

Box guards are trickier to install and more challenging to remove than other childproofing options, but they offer rock-solid protection. That said, they’re a bit on the bulky side. So, this may not be your preferred choice if you’re aiming for aesthetics. But they are an effective solution for childproofing your home’s electrical outlets.

Proper Cord Management

Kids love to tug and chew on cords, which can lead to frayed wires and electrical hazards. To prevent this, make sure all cords are properly managed and out of reach.

There are various cord management solutions available:

• Cord shorteners can help bundle up excess length, making them less tempting to pull on.
• Cord covers secure cords against the wall and keeps them out of sight.
• Even zip ties and command hooks can be helpful in keeping cords safely tucked away.

Installation and Proper Use of Childproofing Products

No matter which childproofing solution you pick, read the instructions carefully and follow them religiously. Improperly installed products can be ineffective or even increase the risk of electrical accidents.

Here are some general tips for installing and using childproofing products:

• Always opt for UL-listed, high-quality products. This way, you know they meet safety standards and are less likely to break or malfunction.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely when installing childproofing products.
• Keep extra outlet covers, plug protectors, or other childproofing devices on hand in case any fail or break.
• Confirm that outlet covers and plug protectors fit snugly and can’t be easily removed by small hands.
• Make it a habit to check all the outlets and cords around your home regularly to ensure they’re still secure.
• Use childproof power strips with built-in safety covers for extra protection.
• Consider installing outlet covers that blend with your home’s decor to avoid attracting attention from curious kiddos.
• For heavy-use outlets, choose solutions that don’t require frequent removal to minimize wear and tear.
• Never leave unsupervised children near electrical outlets, even if they are childproofed.

As parents, it’s our responsibility to keep our little ones safe from harm. Childproofing products are no substitute for adult supervision. While they can help reduce the chances of accidents, it’s still crucial to teach children about electrical safety and watch them closely in rooms with electrical outlets.

Education is Key

Even at a young age, children can learn basic electrical safety rules. Teach them to never touch outlets or cords and always ask for help when plugging in or unplugging something. As they get older, demonstrate how to properly use electrical outlets and explain why they should never stick anything into them.

For family members or caregivers who may be unfamiliar with your childproofing efforts, educate them as well. Show them where the childproofing products are and explain how they work. This way, everyone is on the same page when it comes to keeping your home safe for children.

It only takes one slip-up for an accident to happen, so it’s essential to educate everyone who interacts with your child on the proper use and importance of the products you use in childproofing your home.

Additional Safety Measures to Childproof Your Home

No amount of childproofing products can guarantee 100% safety for children. So, without putting them in a bubble, what can you do to make your home safer?

Here are a few extra safety measures you can take to help childproof every room in your home:

Safety Gates

For staircases, doorways, or any room you want to keep off-limits to your little ones, safety gates are a great option. They come in various sizes and can be mounted permanently or with pressure for easy removal.

Door Knob Covers

These covers prevent children from opening doors they shouldn’t by covering the entire doorknob. They’re especially useful for keeping children out of rooms with dangerous or fragile objects.

Childproof Locks and Latches

Put childproof locks and latches on cabinets with cleaning products or medicine to keep kids away from harmful substances. These devices also work great for drawers with sharp objects or small items that could be choking hazards. Plus, they can be used on toilet seats and appliances like ovens or refrigerators.

Window Guards

Window guards are a worthwhile investment for families living in multi-level homes. They prevent children from falling out of open windows while still allowing air to flow through.

Furniture Anchors

Kids love to climb, which can cause furniture to tip over. To prevent tip-over risks, use furniture anchors to secure heavy pieces like bookshelves and dressers to the wall.

Cordless Window Coverings

Here in the Southeast, blinds and curtains are a must for keeping out the hot sun. But corded window coverings can be a strangulation hazard for curious children. To eliminate this risk, opt for cordless, safety tassels, cord stops, or motorized options instead.

Childproofing Your Home with Lee Company

Keeping your little ones safe is priority number one, and childproofing your home, especially your electrical outlets, is a big step in the right direction. Tamper-resistant outlets, sliding outlet covers, and outlet box guards are among the best solutions to prevent electrical accidents.

For just a small upgrade to TRRs, about $0.50 more per outlet, you can seriously improve safety. With around 75 outlets in a home, that’s under $50 — a small price to pay for your child’s safety.

However, it’s best to leave the installation of these products to the professionals to ensure they are installed correctly and work properly.

Lee Company, serving Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia since 1944, has the expertise to help you install these safety measures faster than a toddler can find trouble!

Our licensed and experienced electricians will ensure that your electrical outlets are childproofed correctly, giving you peace of mind and keeping your tiny troublemakers out of harm’s way. Contact Lee Company today for all your electrical and home improvement needs.