The Importance of Childproofing Electrical Outlets in Your Home
Young children are naturally curious, and that curiosity often leads them straight to your electrical outlets. While these fixtures may seem harmless to adults, they can pose serious safety risks to small kids who don’t understand the dangers of electricity.
Why Electrical Outlets Are a Hazard
Standard outlets sit low on the wall—right at eye level for crawling babies and toddlers. All it takes is one small object or curious finger in the wrong place to cause an electric shock or burn. Even if the injury isn’t severe, it’s a situation no parent ever wants to face.
Electrical outlets are among the most common sources of household accidents involving children. They’re easy to overlook, but simple steps can go a long way in preventing harm. If you aren’t sure if your system has issues, our team performs electrical inspections to check for safety concerns and offer solutions to protect your home and family.
Types of Outlet Covers and Protectors
There are several childproofing options to help reduce risk and keep your home safer for young kids. Some of the most effective include:
- Plastic plug inserts – inexpensive and easy to install, but can be a choking hazard if pulled out
- Sliding outlet covers – automatically block access when the outlet isn’t in use
- Box covers – enclose the entire outlet and plug, ideal for items that remain plugged in
- Tamper-resistant outlets – designed to block foreign objects from being inserted, now required by code in many areas
Each option offers a different level of protection, and combining multiple solutions can provide more peace of mind.
Additional Tips for Electrical Safety
Outlet covers are just one part of a broader safety plan. Make it a habit to check your cords and plugs regularly for wear. Keep furniture pushed against walls where possible to block access to outlets. Avoid leaving cords dangling where little hands can tug at them. If you’re using power strips or extension cords, use those with built-in safety covers or mounting options.
Let Us Help You Create a Safer Home
At Falcon Electric, we’re here to help you make your Beaverton home safer for every member of your family—especially the littlest ones. From installing new outlets with tamper-resistant features to upgrading your electrical system, our electrical services pros can help you protect your home and loved ones. Contact us today to schedule a home safety inspection or electrical upgrade.
