How should I secure power sockets?

How do I secure electrical outlets properly?

Keep outlets off-limits from the very beginning: Many parents are relatively relaxed about their children's use of electrical outlets once the outlets are secured. That is dangerous, because every child will sooner or later encounter an unsecured outlet. Outlets and cables should generally be off-limits to babies despite any covers — and that from the very beginning. A firm "No" whenever your child approaches an outlet will soon have an effect.

Don't forget any outlets: Sure, outlets in the children's room, the living room and the kitchen are secured immediately. But look carefully throughout the whole apartment and also think of outlets that may be hidden behind a curtain or a table.

Secure them in time: It's best to use outlet covers at the latest when your baby first starts trying to move by crawling or rolling. That way there will be no accident during the first explorations.

No power strips on the floor: Power strips are fascinating for children, not only because they contain multiple outlets, but also because the cords run in different directions and are connected to various devices. A strong pull on the power strip can be enough to bring down a TV, table lamp, or stereo system. Therefore, you should preferably screw power strips under tabletops or shelves or mount them as high as possible.

What outlet covers are there for babies and toddlers?

Outlet covers: Outlet covers should on the one hand effectively protect against electric shock, and on the other hand the outlet should of course remain usable. Parents have various options:

Outlet plug covers: The most commonly used outlet safety devices are small plastic discs that are inserted into the outlets and close off the holes. Only when you push a plug into the holes of the plastic discs and turn them in the socket can the plug be inserted. There are both single-pin (for one of the holes) and double-pin (for both holes) plug covers, with the double-pin ones definitely being more childproof. Note: Whenever you pull a plug, for example when vacuuming, you should check whether the plug cover is still sitting correctly in the socket.

Covers for unused outlets: If an outlet is not in use, it can be secured with a special closure. This sits over the holes of the outlet and can only be opened with a corresponding key.

RCD (FI switch): The so-called residual-current device does not protect a single outlet, but the entire electrical circuit of the apartment. As soon as a person comes into contact with electricity, the RCD cuts the power. In new buildings and apartments with renovated electrical systems, an RCD is usually already present. If not, an electrician can easily install the switch in the fuse box.

Safety outlets: If you are renovating anyway or planning more children, it may be worth investing in tamper-resistant outlets. In these outlets the two inlet holes are covered by small plates that only open when pressure is applied to both holes simultaneously. Safety outlets are very effective, but this means that the standard outlets must be completely replaced by an electrician.

What to do if my child pulls plugs out of the outlets?

Suddenly the stereo stops working, the receiver has interrupted the recording, or in the worst case the refrigerator is affected. Curious children really enjoy pulling plugs out of sockets. The outlet itself can be secured without much trouble, but how do I ensure that my child cannot pull out the plug?

Gluing the plug to the outlet or fixing it with a homemade closure may be effective, but it is not safe: in the event of a cable fire you may not be able to pull the plug out in time and no insurance would pay for the resulting damages. If the plugs are in a power strip, you can try to place it above your child's head height, e.g. in a wall mount.

But what helps best: a bit of patience and consistency: your child should learn from the start that both plugs and outlets are off-limits, regardless of any safety devices. It takes nerves, but as a rule the plugs lose their appeal after some time.