Surprisingly, we have become so dependent on electricity and electrical appliances. Every room or space in our home has electrical power switches, plugs, cords, and other fixtures.
It is important to exercise caution while handling these installations and fittings as electricity could pose a danger of short-circuits, burn, and shock.
Accidents might happen when toddlers and young children get an opportunity to roam freely and try to touch various electrical devices.
Therefore, it is good to look at ways to childproof your house from possible electrical hazards. It is always better to solicit advice from a certified electrician before any serious accident occurs.
Table of Contents
Identify Electrical Hazards
- Find electrical hazards, which exist in your house. Begin methodically and look over carefully in each room.
- Check every electrical point which is located at a lower level.
- From that point, you can get a clear view of all the electrical outlets and power strip bars in the room and power cords hanging around.
- Look above countertops, side tables, dressers, and behind furniture.
- Make a list of all the possible risks and hazards and then start addressing the problems.
- Also, get help from a trained electrician in case of repairing or installing a new fixture.
Check all GFCIs, Cords, and Appliances
It is recommended that you conduct periodic tests of all the GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupter), appliances, and cords.
Make sure the lights work properly and appliances function as intended. Because GFCIs are the first line of defense, you need to check them properly.
It is quite easy to test GFCIs. Plug any cord or appliance in the wall socket and press the test button on GFCI. You will hear a cracking sound if the device or cord is not working in the right manner.
If GFCI is working properly, the electrical device or cord will stop working. When you know GFCI is working appropriately, press the reset button, and the device or cord will come back on.
In case of a defective GFCI, appliance or cord, get it fixed immediately by a licensed electrician.
Childproof Wall Switchboards, Outlets with Covers and GFCI
Put an outlet cover on every wall switchboard and electrical outlet which is not being used. Additionally, you should install GFCI in every outlet in the house.
The GFCI measures the amount of electricity, which flows from an open-source, and breaks the electrical flow in case of an upsurge or low voltage.
GFCIs are sensitive and would close the electrical flow even when there is a minor problem. Get immediate professional help from an electrician if a problem occurs.
Childproofing Power Strips
Many people make use of power strips in different areas of their house to power multiple devices/equipment kept in the same room.
Keep in mind that entangled cords from various equipment might be plugged in a single power strip on the floor or in the cabinet.
You should childproof power strips so that you are able to protect your child from dangerous electrical shocks or burns. An electrician will fix power strip covers for the safety of kids.
The cover can be easily wrapped over the power strip and has holes at either end. The cords enter and exit through these holes.
This arrangement will prevent children from pulling or fiddling with the wires.
Following these rules would simplify the process of childproofing a home. Again, it will protect kids from dangers parents never knew existed.
For best results, organize periodic inspections by an experienced electrician so that even a minor problem gets rectified instantly before the situation becomes hazardous.
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