The earliest years of childhood are full of learning and growth. Sometimes, with this learning also comes danger. The curiosity of a young child can pose danger as well. It is the job of the adults around the home to keep these young minds from getting themselves into danger. One of the biggest dangers in your home is the outlets on your walls. The process of childproofing your outlets is something you shouldn’t take lightly. Simon Electric is here to share some tips to help you properly protect your children from the dangers that outlets pose.
Electrical Outlet Safety Plugs, Socket Covers & Other Options
There are more ways than one to keep your outlets safe from the children in your home. Here are some of the options you have available to you for outlet safety.
• Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRR)– Starting in 2008, all new homes or newly remodeled homes were equipped with new tamper resistant receptacles that are now required by the National Electric Code. Studies have shown that most children that are electrocuted sustain the injury in the presence of an adult. These new childproof outlets don’t allow anything to be jammed into the holes of the outlet which offers protection for children close by. In order for these outlets to work, there has to be equal pressure in the openings of the outlet to allow the shutters to open and electricity to flow. If you have a newer home, you shouldn’t assume that you have these outlets installed. It is worth checking just to make sure. The letters “TR” or the words “tamper resistant” will be found on the outlet.
• Outlet Covers– This is one of the cheapest ways to ensure your outlets are safe. They are simply a piece of plastic that has prongs to fit snuggly inside the outlet and offer protection. The biggest problem we see with this approach is that people often forget to put the cover back once they have used the outlet to charge devices or other uses. An exposed outlet doesn’t just pose a risk of electrocution, but these covers can also pose a risk of choking if the child chews on them.
• Sliding Plate Covers– These may not be as cost efficient as the outlet cover, but they are much safer. They are equipped with a spring that automatically pops them back into place once you finish using the outlet. Replacing your existing outlet plates with these is worth the time just for the peace of mind. They are also known as self-closing outlet covers.
Residential, Commercial Electrical & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
When it comes to the safety of your children, most parents will do anything. Avoiding the overuse of extension cords is another way to keep your children safe. Also, placing furniture in front of an outlet can be a great way to keep little hands away. If you would like to have your older outlets replaced with TRR, you can count on the experts at Simon Electric to do the job right. We want to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of children everywhere. Call us today!
