BC Children's Hospital

Electrical Outlets

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The electrical outlets most likely to attract a child's attention are located in living and nursery rooms, and other places where youngsters have time to explore. When child-proofing your home, block access to these and any outlets you tend to use often. Children like to imitate what they see adults doing.

Contact between water and electricity can be fatal. Some older homes have bathroom outlets that are not designed to shut off if a plugged-in appliance comes into contact with water. If you have such an outlet in your bathroom, hide it with a cover that bolts on - or install a 'ground fault interrupter' - to prevent serious electrical burns.

Safety Tips

Use outlet covers that attach to the electrical plate with screws. If you decide to use plug-in style outlet caps, make sure they are joined together in the middle. Single caps are easier to remove, and can be choking hazards.

Try to hide electrical outlets behind furniture or plants (non-toxic ones of course!). Leave some space between the furniture and the outlets to reduce the risk of electrical fire.

Unplug appliances and tools when you are finished using them. Outlets in kitchens and bathrooms should have 'ground fault interrupters' to prevent electrocution if an appliance is dropped in water.

Avoid buying a novelty night light for your child's bedroom. He or she may think it is a toy and try to play with it.

Safety Products

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