How should I secure electrical outlets?

How do I secure electrical outlets properly?

Keep outlets off-limits from the start: Many parents are fairly relaxed about their children's access to outlets once the outlets are secured. That's dangerous, because every child will sooner or later come across an unsecured outlet. Outlets and cables should generally be off-limits to babies even if they are secured — and that from the very beginning. A firm "No" whenever your child approaches the outlet will soon have an effect.

Don't forget any outlet: Of course, the outlets in the nursery, the living room, and the kitchen are secured immediately. But look carefully throughout the entire apartment and also think of outlets that might be hidden behind a curtain or a table.

Secure them in time: It's best to put outlet protectors in place at the latest when your baby first starts trying to move around by crawling or rolling. That way there won't be any accidents during the first explorations.

No power strips on the floor: Power strips are fascinating to children, not only because they contain multiple outlets, but also because the cables 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, a table lamp, or a stereo system. Therefore you should ideally screw power strips under tabletops or shelves or mount them as high as possible.

What outlet protectors are available for babies and toddlers?

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

Plug protectors: The most commonly used outlet protectors are small plastic disks that are inserted into the outlets and cover the holes. Only when a plug is pushed into the holes of the plastic disk and the disk is turned in the outlet can the plug be inserted. There are both single-pin (for one of the holes) and double-pin (for both holes) plug protectors, with the double-pin ones definitely being safer for children. Warning: Whenever you pull out a plug, for example when vacuuming, you should check whether the plug protector is still properly seated in the outlet.

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

Residual-current device (RCD): 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 switches off the power. In new buildings and apartments with modernized electrical systems, an RCD is usually already present. If not, the electrician can easily install the switch in the fuse box.

Safety outlets: If you are renovating anyway or planning more children, it may be worthwhile to invest in safety outlets. In these outlets, the two plug holes are sealed with 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 outlets?

Suddenly the stereo stops working, the receiver has interrupted the recording, or in the worst case the refrigerator got affected. Curious children have great fun pulling plugs out of outlets. The outlet itself can easily be secured, but how do I make sure my child can't pull the plug?

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

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, protector or not. It takes nerves, but usually the plugs lose their appeal after some time.