How To:
Select electrical safety products
When you
begin to childproof, one of the first items you'll want to address is electrical
safety. Outlets, wires and cords are within easy reach of your crawling baby so
it’s wise to install electrical safety items before
your child becomes mobile. This will help prevent injuries and give you time to
become accustomed to using them regularly. Products that help guard against the
dangers of electricity differ with respect to function, style, degree of
protection and ease of use.
TYPES AND STYLES OF ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRODUCTS
Carefully
examine the areas where electrical outlets and appliances are located to select
the safest and most appropriate type for each location. When it comes to
electrical wires and cords, it's best to get them out of the way, which may
mean enclosing them inside specially designed cases or covers, or moving
appliances to eliminate the hazard.
Following
are some questions that may help you select the most appropriate, safest and
most convenient products to fit your needs and lifestyle.
-
How often will plugs be used in each outlet?
-
Will certain outlets be used frequently, such as for vacuuming?
-
Are any outlets rarely, or perhaps never used?
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Are any appliances plugged into the same outlet all the time?
-
Lamps and TVs are good examples.
-
Are any outlets located near water?
For example, bathrooms and outdoor outlets should be outfitted with GFCI
(Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter)
Outlets that help prevent injury from electrical shocks when operating appliances near areas where there is water. GFCI Outlets should be
installed by a licensed electrician.
Outlet Caps/Outlet Plugs
Simple
and inexpensive, Outlet Caps have two prongs which plug into the outlet to block
the openings. They are best suited to block outlets that are not needed since
some caps may be very difficult to remove while others may loosen with use.
Outlet
Caps are generally inconvenient since they must be removed and replaced each
time an outlet is used. A good solution, but certainly not the safest, they are
easily misplaced, and if one receptacle is covered while the other is being
used, there is always the danger of your child removing the plug and leaving one
of the outlets exposed. If you're going to use them, carefully select Outlet
Caps that are child-safe. Certain styles are specifically designed to prevent
drafts and a small child could choke on them.
Shock-Loks
offer an inexpensive alternative with more protection than individual Outlet
Caps. They have a strap which attaches to the center screw of the outlet plate
to help prevent misplaced caps. Also, when a plug is removed, the dangling cap
helps remind you to replace it in the outlet.
Example:
Self-Closing
Outlet Plates replace the original outlet plate. They require a sliding motion
to insert a plug into the outlet. When the plug is removed a cover snaps back to
automatically block the outlet. Although more expensive than Outlet Caps, they
offer an attractive, convenient and extremely safe solution for outlets,
especially those you'll be using regularly. Another added feature: older
siblings can be taught to use them. Here are
some considerations: Carefully
select products for all your outlets. Some are designed only for
three-pronged outlets, while others are available for two-pronged and
Decorator outlets as well. (Standard, three-pronged, grounded outlets and
older-style, two-pronged, ungrounded outlets attach to the wall with one
screw. Decorator outlets attach with two screws.) Some
Self-Closing Outlet Plates have the added feature of a foam backing that
also makes them energy efficient.
Shock-Lok, 10 pk.
$5.98
Item # 680-2
Self-Closing Outlet Plates
Example:
Sliding Safety Plate for 3-Pronged Outlets, 2 pk.
$7.98
Item # 790-2
Outlet Covers
Outlet
Covers attach to the existing outlet plate. They completely enclose the plugs in
the outlets and allow the cords to thread through an opening in the bottom of
the cover. Ideal for appliances plugged in on a permanent basis, they block
access to the plugs and the outlets. An adult must firmly squeeze the side
locking tabs to remove the cover. This style of cover is only available for use
with standard one screw outlets.
Example:
Outlet Cover, 4 pk.
$8.98
Item # 10404-2
For
large plugs from power strips and transformers such as those on baby monitors
and wipe warmers, a larger outlet cover is available. This cover is available
for both standard single screw and Decorator outlets.
Standard Big Box Outlet Cover
$8.95
Item # 10405
Power Strip Covers
The
increasing number of home offices and convenience appliances has brought about
the added use of power strips. A
power strip cover encloses many types of plugs such as those from computers,
answering machines, kitchen appliances and power tools. You’ll also be able to
enclose most transformers and heavy-duty, three-pronged plugs to keep them out
of your tot’s reach.
Example:
Power Strip Safety Cover
$7.95
Item # 40896
Night Light/Outlet Cover
This
product attaches to the outlet plate and combines a night light along with a
cover for one of the electrical receptacles. The night light covers the top
receptacle and a self-closing cover blocks access to the bottom receptacle.
Example:
Cord Organizers
Since
electrical cords can be a real nuisance, and a real safety hazard, a variety of
products can be purchased to help you "clean up the clutter." One
option is a plastic tube that houses a group of wires. This is ideal for the TV,
VCR and speaker wires. Another option is a product which encloses wires and then
mounts with double-sided adhesive onto baseboards, walls or ceilings. Couplings
and elbows allow you to conceal cords around corners. This product also works
well for speaker wires, and is ideal for lamp wires and extension cords.
Examples:
1" Cord Control Kit, 8'
$12.95
Item # 9008
Cord-A-Way, 3 pk.
$6.96
Item # 101-3
Cord Cover 40"
$4.99
Item # 826
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR WHEN
SELECTING ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRODUCTS
•
Sturdy, reliable construction and
proper fit. Select products which are well-made and durable. Look for a
snug, secure fit for products that will be removed and replaced continually, and
heavy-duty construction so they'll stand up to your child's consistent efforts
to remove or open them.
•
Automatic protection. These
products have an automatic closing and are considered safer than those which may
be locked manually.
•
Reliable locking device. If
it's supposed to lock automatically, check for smooth, consistent operation.
•
Ease of use. Certain styles
are better suited for more frequent use. Others are suitable for limited use.
•
Products that older children can
operate. Consider whether it's important for older siblings to be able to
use the items you select.
•
Ease of installation. Although
similar in style some products install quickly and easily, while others may
require considerable adjustments.
The
information given and the products referred to can reduce the likeliness of
injury and are intended to help you provide a safer environment for your child.
The effectiveness of suggested products depends on proper installation and use.
There is no replacement for adult supervision.