How to use child proof plugs

How to Childproof Electrical Outlets

Whether you have your own children or have children visit or stay in your home often, you need to consider how safe your home is for little ones. One of the greatest risks in any home is electrical outlets. They are located throughout every room, at the ideal height to attract little children. While older kids are taught to keep away from outlets, small children including babies can easily reach the outlets and cause serious harm to themselves. Here we offer easy tips to help childproof electrical outlets in your home.

Tape Over Outlets

This is not an ideal solution, but it will do the trick in a pinch. Whether you are waiting to schedule a more permanent solution, or have unexpected guests with kids coming to visit, you can cover any unused outlets with masking tape. The friendly little face of the outlet will be hidden so kids won’t be drawn to the outlets, while also covering the slots so tiny hands can’t access them.

Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs)

New and remodeled homes are mandated to install TRRs to prevent shock from electrical outlets, but this law did not come into place until 2008. That leaves the majority of homes with unsafe outlets that can harm children. TTRs use spring-loaded shutters so when the slots are exposed, they are closed off.

They allow plugs to be easily inserted due to the springs which compress when the metal prongs are present. If only one spring is activated, an electrical circuit can’t be activated. As a result, a small child who might decide to insert something into one of the slots will avoid shock. Replacing your older outlets with TRRs is the safest way to avoid shocks. They also offer other benefits and features including:

Optional USB ports for high-speed charging of devices
Automatic LED guide lights to make it easier to plug something in when it’s dark
Ground fault circuit interrupter GFCI functionality to further decrease the risk for shock

You can speak to our team at TopTech Electric in Dallas and Fort Worth to discuss replacing your outlets to make your home more child friendly.

Individual Outlet Covers

This is a low-cost solution that does a very good job at preventing shocks. The plastic covers are available at home improvement centers and hardware stores. The covers have two prongs on one side and a flat plastic surface on the other. You simply insert them into your unused outlets to shut them off. Because they are plastic, you won’t get a shock when you insert them. They are unobtrusive and the ideal DIY solution as they don’t require electrical work. Only use the outlet covers if they have a firm fit, or they can pose risk for choking. When you need to use the outlet, you just remove the cover. Nothing could be simpler.

Full Outlet Covers

Snap-on full outlet covers fit over the entire plate without the need for tools. You just pop it over both outlets so the entire plate is covered. If you rarely use the outlets, you can even paint them to match the walls for a seamless look. When you need the outlet, they pop right off – no tools required.

Locking Fit Outlet Covers

These work much like individual outlet covers, but with one difference – they lock. There are two options. The first option remains in the locked position and can only be removed by pressing both sides of the cover simultaneously to release it. The only downside is they are not very attractive. You can also buy outlet covers that actually lock and can only be removed with a key, but these tend to be a source of frustration if you need the outlet and can’t find the key.

Sliding Cover Plates

Last but not least are sliding cover plates. They are another DIY solution providing a replacement plate for your outlet. You remove the old plate and then place the shifting cover plate on top. They sit slightly off to the side of the receptacle so you can’t plug anything into the slots. When you need to use the outlet, you simply move the plate to the side to align the slots with the cover plate slots. The plate uses a spring-loaded cover so when the plug is removed it automatically slides back to block the slots.

When you want to put safety first, get in touch with the team at TopTech Electric to help childproof electrical outlets in your home.

How To Baby Proof Electrical Outlets & Cords (Step-by-Step)

Contact with electricity is dangerous for any baby. So, how do you babyproof electrical outlets and cords to ensure your children stay safe as they grow?

Babyproofing can be overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. Electrical outlets and cords are some of the most critical areas to babyproof, but it is often easy to miss something. After all, so many of our everyday essentials need to be frequently plugged in.

To help stressed mamas feel more confident, we have gathered everything you need to know about babyproofing all things electrical in your home.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about babyproofing electrical outlets and cords — from what type of electrical plug covers are available to practical advice on teaching your children to use electronics properly.

Table of Contents

How To Babyproof Electrical Outlets
Types Of Electrical Outlet Covers
How To Babyproof Electrical Cords
How To Babyproof Power Strips
Teach Your Children To Use Electricity Safely

How To Babyproof Electrical Outlets

It is essential to understand the very real dangers posed by electrical outlets.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 24,000 children over a ten-year period were admitted to the emergency room due to incidents with electrical receptacles ⁽¹⁾. This is approximately seven children every day, with 89% of them being under the age of six.

How do you effectively babyproof electrical outlets to avoid these scary statistics? First, you need to understand what sort of outlets you have in your home and then get the correct guards to make them inaccessible to little hands.

Types of Electrical Outlets

There are currently 15 types of electrical outlets around the world assigned by the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration ⁽²⁾. In the United States, we use “A” and “B” electrical outlets.

You may know these outlets better by the number of prongs they receive from a plug. The “A” outlet is two-pronged while the “B” outlet has three. It becomes tricky when you look at the many options available in these two subsets.

We will focus on the two most popular “B” outlet types, which are also the most common in homes today.

1. GFCI Outlets

Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets dramatically reduce the risk of electric shock by registering the power flow between the appliance you plug in, such as a hairdryer, and anything that may interrupt it.

These interruptions primarily result from the appliance coming into contact with water or overheating.

You can tell if you have GFCI outlets by looking for “reset” and “test” buttons on the outlet. These buttons are designed to help you test the outlet’s ability to stop the current from flowing and providing power.

2. AFCI Outlets

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlets are similar to GFCI outlets. They are designed to prevent danger to you and your family by preventing arcs in your electricity.

An arc fault occurs when damaged wires do not connect properly and cause sparking. This can be extremely dangerous because the sparks from an arc fault can easily catch insulation or framing on fire.

The Problem With Outlets

Both A and B plugs have a very short space between the conductors and the plastic outlet covering them. So, no matter what type of outlet you have in your home, you should consider all outlets dangerous.

Types Of Electrical Outlet Covers

The easiest way to protect your children from the dangers posed by electrical outlets is to use a guard. The type of guard you use will depend on your electrical outlet. Here’s what you should know about three of the most commonly used electrical outlet covers.

1. Plastic Outlet Covers

You have likely seen outlet covers before. They are generally made of durable plastic and have prongs that fit inside the outlet, preventing direct contact with objects or fingers. The covers are difficult for small fingers to remove.

Plastic electrical outlet covers fit any style of outlet you may have in your home. Multiple designs are available with varying levels of security to fit your specific needs.

Pros: You can purchase plastic outlet covers in bulk, and they’re inexpensive. This is helpful if you need to babyproof your entire home. Adults can easily remove them when an outlet is needed.

Cons: Children can learn to pull out the plastic outlet covers as they get older. If a child pulls out a cover halfway, the current will be live and can shock them. The covers can also become choking hazards.

2. Outlet Boxes

Many people use outlet boxes to protect outdoor electrical outlets. However, they can also be helpful for babyproofing.

An outlet box completely covers the outlet and even has room for appliance cords. Look for an outlet box with a two-button release system. This will make it extremely hard for your child to open.

Pros: Outlet boxes are great for heavier appliances you plug in permanently, such as washers, dryers, televisions, and refrigerators. When an outlet and cord are exposed on these large appliances, parents often unplug them and use an outlet cover. However, this means you have to plug in the large appliance each time you want to use it. An outlet box saves you from worrying about this problem by permanently blocking access to the outlet.

Cons: Because outlet boxes are often designed to keep out the weather rather than children, it might be tough to find a box for babyproofing. You do not want to buy one that can simply be lifted or popped off. Outlet boxes are also bigger, so if you are short on space, they may not fit.

3. Self-Closing Outlet Covers

Self-closing outlet covers are also known as sliding covers. They were created to replace your entire existing outlet cover. To install, you remove the screws holding the existing cover over the outlet and replace it with a self-closing one.

When you remove a plug from the outlet, the cover will automatically slide over the holes, preventing anything from being inserted. Most self-closing outlets have a slide function; to plug something in, simply slide the cover over to expose the plug holes.

Pros: Self-closing outlets are considered one of the most effective covers for protecting your children. There are no pieces to break off, and a child cannot remove them since they act as the entire outlet cover.

Cons: It takes some elbow grease to go through your home and replace all the previously installed outlet covers. If you are short on time or are uncomfortable using screwdrivers, self-closing covers may be a more complicated option.

Remember

The easiest way to protect your children from the dangers posed by electrical outlets is to use an outlet guard.

How To Babyproof Electrical Cords

Electrical outlet covers are great for outlets you do not use often. However, there is a good chance most of your outlets are consistently being used.

Just think of all of your chargers, lamps, video games, and entertainment systems. Then there are hairdryers, curling irons, toasters, blenders, vacuum cleaners, and more. Many of these also have long cords.

Long cords are dangerous because kids can:

Pull out the cord and gain access to the outlet.
Wrap the cord around their necks and choke.
Chew on the cord and get shocked.
Play with damaged, fraying cords.
Suffer electrical burns.
Trip over long cords.

What’s a modern family to do? Luckily, babyproofing your electrical cords is easier than you think. Follow these five simple steps:

1.

Evaluate Exposed Outlets

The easiest way to keep cords away from little hands is to use furniture to block access to them. Go through your home and see which outlets are exposed. If possible, strategically place furniture in front of them as a barrier.

Pro Tip

Make sure to anchor furniture in your home. This prevents heavy furniture from tipping over and falling on children.

2. Get a Cord Shortener or Cover

Get a cord shortener, cord cover, or both if you cannot place a barrier in front of electrical outlets.

A cord shortener allows you to store the excess of a long cord inside a receptacle your child can’t access. This prevents tugging and pulling on the cord.

A cord cover often comes combined with an outlet cover. It keeps the plug and part of the cord hidden away so it cannot be pulled out of the outlet.

3. Strap Cords Down

You may have long cords running along a wall or across a room in some cases. Use tape to adhere them to the floor, or cover them with carpets.

You can also use duct cord covers. Duct cord covers allow you to string multiple cords through a silicone or plastic cover that stays on the floor.

This prevents children from tripping on or pulling long cords and damaging items.

4. Wrap Cords

In areas of your home where you have multiple cords, such as near a computer or media center, wrap the cords together. It helps keep things organized, and children will be less likely to play with them.

There are multiple devices to help you wrap cords together. We suggest using a cord sleeve. Cord sleeves are much harder to remove and do not pose a potential choking hazard if removed.

5. Cord Protectors

Cord protectors keep cords safe from your children. If your child tries to bend, bite, or otherwise spoil the cord, the cord protector will prevent damage to the cord. This also protects your baby from damaged cords.

Cord protectors are a good option if you have unruly children and want to avoid replacing damaged cords regularly.

How To Babyproof Power Strips

Power strips can expose kids to an excessive amount of electricity in one place. Prevent your power strip from becoming a dangerous toy by purchasing a power strip cover.

Power strip covers are generally made of plastic and have a long slit on one side. The slit allows the cords to come through while covering the outlets and power button.

In place of a power strip cover, you can also use plastic electric outlet covers for individual outlets on the power strip.

Teach Your Children To Use Electricity Safely

As your children get older, teaching them to use electricity safely is an effective way to prevent injuries and emergencies.

Here are five things you can do and five things your child can do to support electrical safety in the home.

Parents:

Avoid plugging and unplugging cords when young children are watching.
Avoid putting fun and colorful objects near electrical outlets.
Set rules on who can turn on lamps and electronics.
Avoid leaving appliances (such as hair dryers) plugged in when not in use.
Provide children with supervised opportunities to use electric appliances.

Children:

Watch videos about electrical safety.
Learn warning signs, such as sparking objects or frayed cords.
Obey rules set by parents.
Ask parents for help when needing to plug things in.
Keep electronics away from water.

Remember

The more you talk with your children, the more confident you both will be in using electricity safely throughout your home.

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How to insert a plug into a socket with a shutter?

Socket with shutter

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Why shuttered sockets with cover

What protect sockets with shutters

All current series of electrical installation products are available with several types of sockets, including sockets with protective shutters. These sockets are also sometimes referred to as child-proof sockets. What is it, whom and from what are they able to protect? nine0025 The front panel of a grounded electrical outlet has 2 holes that are equidistant to the left and right of the center of the outlet. These holes, when an electrical appliance is connected, include the pins of the plug. If you look inside these holes, then at the socket, which does not have protective shutters, you can see brass contacts wrapping around the pins of the plug. At the outlet with safety shutters, the brass contacts cannot be seen, because the holes are closed with plastic plugs. These are the protective shutters of the outlet. The two blinds can only be moved at the same time. When the plug of an electrical appliance is connected to the socket, the 2 metal pins of the plug press down on the 2 plastic shutters of the socket at the same time. They move away, the pins of the plug are connected to the socket contacts, the electrical device is connected to the electrical circuit. If you try to press only 1 protective plastic shutter, for example, with a screwdriver, pencil or knitting needle, the shutters do not move away, the socket contacts remain closed. When only one of the protective shutters is pressed, its petal does not rotate around its own axis, bends back and bumps into the plastic panel of the socket mechanism. In most cases, this design prevents access to the socket contacts. nine0026

Outlet design with shutters

For most manufacturers, the curtain is a moving plastic part, which is fixed in the center and has 2 platforms beveled in different directions on the sides. When the rounded pins of the plug are simultaneously pressed against the curtains, they turn clockwise or counterclockwise, thus opening up access to the electrical contacts of the outlet. When the plug is removed from the socket, the protective shutters return to their original position because a spring is built into the front of the socket. Schneider electric sockets with shutters have been designed in such a way that the force of inserting a plug into a socket with safety shutters is almost the same as for sockets without protection. nine0026

Use of outlets with safety shutters

Sockets with protective shutters are installed in apartments and other residential premises where families with small children live, in nurseries, kindergartens, schools and medical institutions. In addition to sockets with protective shutters, specialized children's plastic plugs are also used, which block socket openings in the children's room. The advantage of operating outlets with protective shutters in comparison with childproof plugs is that these shutters block the outlet openings on the machine. You can just forget about it. The plug must be inserted each time after the next use of the socket yourself. Most designs of baby plugs allow them to be used in outlets with protective shutters, in the end, safety is not superfluous. nine0026

Sockets with cover

Such sockets have a lot of advantages:
• Ease of maintenance. The cover protects the functional part of the socket from contamination.
• Security. The cover covers the socket from accidental splashes and dust.
• Beautiful appearance. Sockets with a cover, which are installed in a conspicuous place, look much better than ordinary sockets.

Where to install sockets with cover

In the living room, bedroom or office. Sockets with covers will not spoil the appearance of the room. nine0025 • In the children's room. Such an outlet will not arouse the interest of the child.
• In the kitchen, in the bathroom. A large number of household appliances that are periodically used require the installation of additional outlets. The cover will protect these sockets from dirt and accidental moisture penetration.

Buy outlet with shutters Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric shuttered outlets are products made by the best engineers and designers of the company. The series of electrical installation products combine long engineering experience and progressive design ideas. They very quickly won the love of designers and the respect of installers. In addition to sockets with shutters, the company manufactures sockets with grounding, information sockets. The company's products have high quality workmanship, excellent appearance, practicality and long service life, safety and reliable protection against moisture and dust, a guarantee for all products, an extensive range, reasonable cost, the range is constantly updated. nine0026

Source: https://energosf.ru/review/zachem-nuzhny-rozetki-so-shtorkami/

What do socket outlets with safety shutters protect against?

The range of all modern series of electrical installation products includes several types of sockets, including sockets with protective shutters. Sockets with safety shutters are also sometimes referred to as child-proof sockets. Let's figure out what sockets with protective shutters are, who and from what they can protect?

The faceplate of a grounded electrical outlet has two symmetrical openings located symmetrically to the left and right of the center of the outlet. When connecting an electrical appliance, metal pins (in other words, contacts) of the plug enter these holes. nine0026

If you look inside these holes, then the socket without protective shutters can see brass contacts that wrap around the pins of the plug. At the outlet with protective shutters, the brass contacts will not be visible, since the holes are closed with plastic “plugs”. These are the protective shutters of the outlet. This is clearly seen in the photographs of the outlet with protective shutters and without protective shutters.

nine0065 Electrical outlet openings with protective shutters

Electrical outlet openings without safety shutters

Both blinds can only be moved at the same time. When an electrical appliance plug is connected to a socket, the two metal pins of the plug simultaneously press on both plastic shutters of the socket. The shutters are moved, the pins of the plug are connected to the socket contacts, the appliance is connected to the electrical circuit.

When you try to press only one protective plastic shutter, for example, with a screwdriver, pencil or metal needle, the shutters do not move away, and the socket contacts remain closed. When pressing on only one part of the protective shutter, its petal cannot turn around its axis, it folds back and rests against the plastic panel of the socket mechanism. In the vast majority of cases, this design blocks access to the socket contacts. nine0026

How does it work? Outlet design with protective shutters

If you look at the front panel of the socket at the time of connecting the plug to it, as it were, “from the back”, you get the following picture:

Reverse side of front panel with blinds	Socket protective shutters closed	Protective shutters of the socket open	Outlet safety shutters open, plug pins in socket

For most manufacturers, protective curtains are a movable plastic part fixed in the center and having two platforms beveled in different directions on the sides. When simultaneously pressing on the protective shutters with the rounded pins of the plug, they turn clockwise or counterclockwise, opening access to the electrical contacts of the outlet.

Position of plug pins when pushing down on socket protection shutters	The movement of the protective shutters of the outlet when the pins of the plug are pressed on them

When the plug is removed from the socket, the protective shutters return to their original position thanks to a spring built into the front of the socket.

Florence wiring accessories are designed in such a way that the force when inserting a plug into a socket with protective shutters is practically the same as the same force for sockets without protective shutters. nine0026

Why Shuttered Sockets with a Cover

What Shuttered Sockets Protect Against

Several types of sockets are available in all current product ranges, including sockets with safety shutters. These sockets are also sometimes referred to as child-proof sockets. What is it, whom and from what are they able to protect?

The front panel of the earthed electrical outlet has 2 holes equidistant to the left and right of the center of the outlet. These holes, when an electrical appliance is connected, include the pins of the plug. If you look inside these holes, then at the socket, which does not have protective shutters, you can see brass contacts wrapping around the pins of the plug. At the outlet with safety shutters, the brass contacts cannot be seen, because the holes are closed with plastic plugs. These are the protective shutters of the outlet. The two blinds can only be moved at the same time. When the plug of an electrical appliance is connected to the socket, the 2 metal pins of the plug press down on the 2 plastic shutters of the socket at the same time. They move away, the pins of the plug are connected to the socket contacts, the electrical device is connected to the electrical circuit. If you try to press only 1 protective plastic shutter, for example, with a screwdriver, pencil or knitting needle, the shutters do not move away, the socket contacts remain closed. When only one of the protective shutters is pressed, its petal does not rotate around its own axis, bends back and bumps into the plastic panel of the socket mechanism. In most cases, this design prevents access to the socket contacts. nine0026

Design of outlets with shutters

For most manufacturers, shutters are a moving plastic part, which is fixed in the center and has 2 platforms beveled in different directions on the sides. When the rounded pins of the plug are simultaneously pressed against the curtains, they turn clockwise or counterclockwise, thus opening up access to the electrical contacts of the outlet. When the plug is removed from the socket, the protective shutters return to their original position because a spring is built into the front of the socket. Schneider electric sockets with shutters have been designed in such a way that the force of inserting a plug into a socket with safety shutters is almost the same as for sockets without protection. nine0026

Use of sockets with protective shutters

Sockets with cover

These sockets have many advantages:
• Easy maintenance. The cover protects the functional part of the socket from contamination.
• Security. The cover covers the socket from accidental splashes and dust.
• Beautiful appearance. Sockets with a cover, which are installed in a conspicuous place, look much better than ordinary sockets.

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