How to Baby-Proof Electrical Outlets

The good news is there are smart and simple ways to baby-proof your outlets and reduce the risks. And if your home’s electrical system needs some updates or repairs, a local certified electrician is always a call away thanks to Mr. Electric.

Why Are Electrical Outlets So Dangerous to Children?

To put it plainly: electricity doesn’t play around.

An exposed outlet or, worse, a damaged one can cause serious injury or even fatality if a child inserts a metal object or their fingers. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 2,400 children are treated in emergency rooms every year for injuries caused by electrical outlets. These injuries can include electrical burns, nerve damage, muscle contractions, and serious heart complications.

What makes it even scarier is that you may not hear anything when it happens - let alone a warning. No pop, no spark - just a sudden injury that could have been avoided.

Baby-Proofing Tips to Keep Your Outlets Safe

Luckily, there are several effective ways to reduce the risks. Whether you’re a new parent setting up your nursery or a seasoned pro chasing around your third toddler, here are some ways to keep your children and outlets safe:

• Outlet Plug Covers: These inexpensive little plastic caps plug into unused outlets. They're easy to install and fairly effective, but older babies and toddlers with stronger fingers may figure out how to pull them out. Now you've got a choking hazard as well as an electrical one. Go for tight-fitting tamper-resistant models and check them regularly.
• Sliding Outlet Covers: These replace your outlet plate with one that has a built-in sliding mechanism. When the outlet isn’t in use, the cover snaps shut to automatically block access. They’re much more secure than plastic plugs and are especially smart for high-traffic areas like the living room or playroom.
• Tamper-Resistant Receptacles: If you’re looking for a long-term solution, then tamper-resistant receptacles (TRR) are the way to go. Inside each TRR is a built-in shutter system that only opens when equal pressure is applied to both prongs of a plug. That means keys, forks, and paperclips won't get in. To be clear, this involves an electrical outlet replacement and is best left to a qualified electrician.
• Outlet Covers with Cord Shorteners: Got devices that are always plugged in? Use outlet boxes with cord shorteners to not only hide the outlet but also prevent your child from tugging on cords or pulling plugs loose.

When to Call a Certified Electrician

While many baby-proofing measures can be implemented on your own, anything that involves the electrical wiring behind the wall is best left to the pros. This is especially true if you’ve got:

• Old or outdated outlets
• Loose, warm, or discolored receptacles
• Two-prong outlets
• DIY electrical work done by a previous owner
• A house built before the 1980s

These can all pose increased risks not just for your child but for everyone in the building. Choose Mr. Electric for your certified electrician and enjoy a more peaceful night's sleep.

Call Mr. Electric Whenever You Need

Whether you need an emergency electrical repair or one or more electrical outlets replaced, the local professionals at Mr. Electric are always ready to help. Call or message us today to get in touch with a live representative. Our dedicated electricians in Hillsborough, NC are prepared to dispatch to your location as soon as possible.