Install Tamper-Resistant Outlets to Help Keep Kids Safe at Home
Parents of toddlers know all too well the importance of childproofing their homes. From anchoring furniture to walls to installing gates around stairs to keeping kids away from electrical outlets, there are countless dangers in homes that children need to be protected against.
Electrical outlets can be especially tempting for young children as they are drawn to the devices at eye level for them and try to stick toys and even their fingers into the slots. Doing this can cause serious injuries - from shocks, burns, and even electrocution. Installing childproof outlets can help prevent these risks. This blog will discuss tamper-resistant outlets and their benefits.
How Do Tamper-Resistant Outlets Work?
When electricians talk to homeowners about childproof outlets, one of the first questions they may get from parents is, “What is a tamper-resistant outlet?” This is a reasonable question, as property owners want to understand how these protect their children and why they are different from their other outlets.
These childproof and tamper-resistant outlets have self-closing covers to protect children and provide electrical safety. These covers will only open to let something inside the outlet if equal pressure is applied to both shutters simultaneously. If those shutters are not engaged at the same time, they will not open, preventing children from inserting toys or other objects into the outlets. When an adult inserts an electrical plug into an outlet, the covers will open, and the plug will be allowed in, but if only one slot is engaged at a time, the shutters will not open to allow things into the outlet.
Benefits of Childproof Outlets
Homeowners, and especially parents of young children, can experience many benefits by installing childproof outlets. While there are many options for childproofing outlets, including plastic outlet caps and plugs, these can pose additional dangers to children. Children and toddlers can learn to remove these caps from their outlets, and they can pose choking hazards.
Childproof outlets are a safer solution. The shutters prevent toddlers from sticking objects into the slots, reducing the risk of injuries while also not being a choking hazard for young children. These outlets offer many benefits. They help prevent electrical hazards, give parents an easy way to protect their toddlers without the expense and work of purchasing caps and plugs and putting them in each outlet, and help protect children from injuries.
Signs to Replace an Old Outlet
Like any outlet in a home, childproof outlets need to be replaced if they show symptoms that they are not working or are aging. Some obvious signs that an outlet needs to be replaced are if the faceplates are cracked, or there are other signs of damage, and if the outlets are hot to the touch.
Other signs of an outlet needing replacement are loose connections in the outlets and plugs falling out or the outlets not providing power. If a homeowner experiences any of these issues, calling an electrician to inspect the devices and schedule outlet replacements is essential.
About Postma Heating & Cooling
Postma Heating & Cooling is a local, family-owned heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical company serving Chatham-Kent, ON, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, same-day service, and the latest technology. Call them today for childproof outlet installation in Chatham-Kent, ON.
