Short answer: To childproof your home’s electrics, fit plug-in covers to unused power points, make sure safety switches protect your power and lighting circuits, keep cords and appliances out of reach, and teach children that power points and appliances aren’t toys. The NSW Government recommends safety switches and testing them every three months. Replace damaged outlets and cords promptly and never leave chargers or appliances where small hands can reach them in water.
Toddlers are curious, fast and drawn to anything at their eye level, and power points are often right there. Most electrical hazards for kids can be reduced with a few simple steps. Here’s a practical checklist, based on NSW Government and Kidsafe advice.
The checklist
| Area | What to do |
|---|---|
| Power points | Fit plug-in safety covers to unused outlets |
| Switchboard | Make sure safety switches cover power and lighting circuits |
| Cords | Keep them tidy, out of reach and away from water |
| Appliances | Unplug and put away when not in use |
| Bathrooms | Keep hair dryers, straighteners and heaters away from water and out of reach |
| Kitchen | Keep kettle and appliance cords back from the bench edge |
| Damaged items | Replace cracked outlets, frayed cords and broken plugs |
| Education | Teach children about electrical safety as they grow |
Power point covers
The NSW Government’s advice on avoiding electrical accidents says plastic covers for power points reduce the chance of children inserting objects. Choose covers that fit snugly and are hard for small fingers to remove. Kidsafe’s parent’s guide to safe homes also recommends covering unused power points.
Some modern power points have built-in shutters. Covers are still a sensible extra layer at toddler height.
Safety switches: the most important protection
A safety switch (RCD) can cut power quickly if current leaks through a person to earth. The NSW Government recommends:
- having safety switches installed by a licensed electrician
- pushing the Test button every three months, for example when daylight saving changes
- getting a licensed electrician to check the switch if it doesn’t trip when tested
The NSW Government also notes that if your house was built before 1977 it’s unlikely to have an earth rod, and you should seriously consider having a safety switch installed. Older Inner West homes often have limited safety switch protection. See safety switch rules in NSW and RCD vs RCBO.
Cords and appliances
- Kettles and toasters: keep cords coiled back from the edge of the bench, where they can’t be pulled
- Hair tools: unplug and store them as soon as they’re used
- Chargers: don’t leave phone and tablet chargers plugged in near beds and cots
- Power boards: keep them off the floor and behind furniture, and don’t overload them
- Heaters: use guarded heaters and keep them away from bedding and curtains
The NSW Government also advises teaching children that power points and appliances are not toys, and that they must not touch the pins of plugs.
Outdoors
- Keep outdoor power points covered and out of reach
- Don’t let kids play near pool equipment; see pool and spa electrical requirements
- Teach older children never to climb trees near power lines or fly kites near them
- If they see a fallen power line, they should stay well away and tell an adult
Teach as they grow
| Age | Key messages |
|---|---|
| Toddlers | “Hot”, “No touch” for power points and appliances |
| Preschool | Don’t poke things into power points; ask an adult to plug things in |
| Primary school | Keep water away from electrics; dry hands before touching switches; stay away from power lines |
| Teens | Don’t use damaged chargers or leads; don’t charge devices on beds; know where the switchboard is |
When to call an electrician
- outlets that are loose, cracked, warm or spark
- no safety switch, or one that doesn’t trip when tested
- power points in awkward spots that encourage power boards and extension leads (consider adding outlets; see power point installation cost)
- before renovating a nursery or kids’ room, to plan outlet positions
Working smoke alarms in bedrooms and hallways are an essential part of a child-safe home too.
Want your home checked before the baby starts crawling? We do electrical safety inspections, install safety switches and replace damaged outlets. Call 0421 772 661.
We help families in Dulwich Hill, Marrickville, Summer Hill and Haberfield.