Childproofing your home - Electricity
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While adults are usually sensible and understand not to poke things in the powerpoints, children aren't quite as wise. Protect your children from electric shocks or worse with the following tips.
For many of us, electricity is a massive part of our lives. We rely on it for energy, which in turn heats our houses, cooks our food and powers our televisions and computers. With the influx of different gadgets we're all seeing come into our homes it seems that there are more extension leads, double adapters and power boards floating around than ever before.
So it's no surprise that, more than ever, it's important to remember this when you invite children to your home. Children are inquisitive and will often explore out-of-the-way places. So the power board you thought was hidden behind the couch might suddenly become a child's play toy. Or the power point with the dodgy switch that you know not to use might become an unwelcome surprise to someone else.
Just today we had someone post a job on Service Central for a power point that was catching on fire whenever they flicked the switch, so remember to always treat the electricity in your home with the utmost respect.
1. Educate children on the dangers of electric shock
If your children are old enough then it is well worth the time to teach your children about electricity and its associated dangers. If your children respect electricity then there is less chance of it harming them.
2. Install tamper proof powerpoints
For children, sometimes the temptation to poke something into a powerpoint can just get too much. Prevent them from doing this with tamper proof power points. There are a variety of different manufacturers creating extra safe powerpoints, such as Excel's rotating shutters that allow you to keep the outlets closed when they're not in use.
Tamper proof powerpoints are ideal for powerpoints that are low to the floor such as in the living room or bedrooms. Talk to your electrician today for their advice on what tamper proof power points are suitable in your home.
3. Ensure Safety Switches are installed
Safety Switches have been a legal requirement in all new homes since 1993. They work by monitoring the flow of electricity through a circuit and, if they detect a leak in the current they automatically switch off. This prevents the electricity from attempting to earth via a person and electrocuting them.
Safety Switches save lives and must be installed on power circuits. It is also advised to have them installed on lighting circuits as well. If your house or the place you rent doesn't have safety switches installed then contact a certified electrician today. Do not attempt to install safety switches unless you are a qualified, licensed electrician.
4. Equip your house with the right number of power outlets
With the increased demand for electricity in our homes, many of us in older houses are finding that the average 1-2 dual power points per room simply isn't enough. Rather than giving in to the temptation of utilising multiple power boards and extension leads, however, hire an electrician to install additional power points. Multiple power boards can become a fire risk as well as being a general risk to over-curious children.
5. Organise regular inspections by a certified electrician
How often do we sit back and realise it's been 5 years since we last had an electrician out to fix something? Make a point of adding regular electrical inspections to your calendar. From checking that wires aren't water damaged or ruined by rodents to confirming that your appliances aren't faulty, a regular check of your home by a licensed electrician can ensure that you and your family aren't at risk of electric shock, fire or worse. Keep your home and family safe - hire a certified electrician to inspect it.
Electrical Quotes
from local electricians
