As electricians who have worked in countless Adelaide homes over the past 20+ years, we can’t emphasise enough how important electrical safety is – especially for families with young children. Curious little hands are naturally drawn to poking around outlets, cords, and electrical devices, putting kids at serious risk of shocks, burns, fires and other hazards if proper precautions aren’t taken. According to St. John, over 350 Australian children per year are hospitalised due to electrical injuries.
It’s crucial for parents and caregivers to be proactive about electrical safety from a child’s earliest age. We’ve unfortunately witnessed the devastating impacts of preventable electrical incidents far too often in our career. So whether you’re childproofing for a newborn or reinforcing electrical hazard awareness with toddlers/young kids, here are our top tips as a licensed electrician.
Outlet & cord safety
Outlets and dangling cords pose two of the biggest electrical risks for young children:
- Use tamper-resistant outlet covers or outlet caps in all rooms
- Consider installing more permanent outlet barrier devices or boxes
- Conceal loose cords behind furniture or use cord covers/concealers
- Unplug any unused cords from outlets and store safety
- Don’t allow children to play with or go near cords, even if unplugged
Creating a “No Entry” zone
Clearly designate any rooms containing major electrical components as total “no entry” zones for children with kid-proof locked doors or gates. Prohibited areas include:
- Utility rooms with electrical panels/metres
- Basement areas with exposed wiring or junctions
- Any rooms with large hardwired appliances like furnaces
Child-proof electrical devices
Make sure all lamps, nightlights, hair dryers and other electrical devices in child-accessible areas have a wide base to prevent tipping over, along with cool-touch surfaces, short cords and automatic shut-offs. Consider safety covers for unused outlets on devices too.
Safe lighting
Replace any light bulbs, lamps or light fixtures kids can access with sealed, shatterproof LED bulbs. Make sure all ceiling light fixtures are also kid-safe and properly secured.
Kitchen & bath safety
In kitchens and bathrooms, use GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) for all outlets to prevent shocks, and install appliance circuit breakers/safety switches for major hardwired equipment. Apply covers to unused outlets, including on countertop surfaces.
What to avoid
- Don’t run extension cords under rugs where kids could play
- Don’t allow children to play with or go near power tools, electronics repair work, etc
- Don’t let cords from window blinds/curtains dangle within reach, kids can strangle
- Don’t use lightweight lamp/lighting that kids could knock over
Educating kids on hazards
Of course, once kids are old enough, it’s important to explain electrical hazards and consistently reinforce the rules:
- Teach them cords, outlets, electrical devices are “Off Limits”
- Show them how to identify electrical danger symbols/signs
- Set strict rules about not touching electrical equipment without an adult
- Don’t allow them to run cords across rooms or remove covers/caps
- Make sure they understand electricity can injure and cause fires
Regular inspections and upgrades
Finally, make sure to have a licensed electrician conduct an annual electrical safety inspection in your home to identify any new hazards as kids get older. We can install upgraded safety outlets/covers, replace frayed wiring, and advise on any needed electrical system upgrades or repairs to keep it safely child-proof.
Conclusion
As electricians, we always aim to make Adelaide homes as safe and modernised as possible – but it’s up to parents to remain diligent about electrical hazards around their curious children. Be proactive by taking these precautions and preventing little hands from getting into places they shouldn’t. An ounce of electrical safety can save a life. Don’t take any chances when it comes to protecting kids!
