Top tips for keeping children safe from faulty electrics
When it comes to safety, faulty electrics are a real concern for Mums and Dads.
As a parent, you want to provide the best for your children and one of the most important things you can do is make sure they are safe from any potential dangers - whether that’s at home or in any other environment.
It’s easy to forget that electrical items can cause a lot of harm, especially when they malfunction. In this article, we will be looking at the top tips for keeping children safe from faulty electrics.
Check electric plugs
It’s important to check plugs and power points regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you see any loose wires or cables that are ripped them remove them from the reach of your child immediately.
If you have any further concerns about the safety of an appliance or a socket, call an emergency electrician immediately.
Cover up plug sockets and distract wandering hands
Covering up every electrical socket can be tricky, but it does help remove any danger of kids playing with them. Children learn through curiosity and if you find they are intrigued by the sockets in your home then try to cover them up and distract your child with other things.
Also make sure children are not left unattended when they are near any electrical items or have access to extension cords.
Check second hand electrical items for sale
When buying an electrical product that’s second hand, it’s worth checking the quality of the cable and any other electrical parts for signs of damage or burn out. The product should also be certified with a CE logo. If it isn’t - don’t buy it. The item might not conform to British electrical safety standards and could be harmful.
Checking a device before you buy reduces the risks of any danger from buying and using a second-hand electrical appliance that’s faulty.
Keep away from water
You should always keep your children away from any items that have fallen into water, such as phone chargers or laptops.
If you have accidentally dropped something into water then either dispose of it immediately or put it somewhere to dry out, ideally high up out of the reach of children.
If the appliance was plugged in when it came into contact with water, then there may be other risks associated with the plug socket or the electric system.
Try to ensure your child is kept away from the socket in question and call an emergency call out electrician who can do a safety check to ensure your home is safe - for you and your child!
Positioning of large appliances
For large appliances like a fridge or washing machine in your kitchen, it’s a good idea to put a plug near the door and one near the window so that you can unplug them in an emergency. Large appliances consume more power, increasing the risk to anyone in your home if there is a fault.
In the event of any emergency, any large appliances such as washing machines, as well as the electrical system in your home, should be checked by a qualified and certified emergency call out electrician.