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—Safety and decisions

Electrical safety around young children

Young children explore with their hands. A few practical changes make the electrics in a home much safer for them.

Most electrical incidents involving children involve sockets, cords and appliances: fingers or objects pushed into sockets, cords pulled to bring appliances down, chewing cables, or water play near electrical equipment. Simple measures — furniture placed in front of unused sockets, cords kept short and out of reach, appliances unplugged when not in use — reduce the risk.

Safety and decision guides are advice for the reader. They describe practice, not a service level.

RCD protection on circuits is an important layer, because it can switch off quickly if current flows through a person to earth. Checking that sockets and circuits in children’s areas are protected, and testing RCDs, is worth doing when a baby arrives or when a family moves in.

01In short

The points that matter most

  • Sockets and cords

    The most common sources of incidents.

  • Appliances within reach

    Hair straighteners, kettles and heaters.

  • RCD protection

    An important safety layer.

02Detail

Practical measures

  • Cord management

    Keep cords short, tidy and out of reach.

  • Furniture placement

    Block access to sockets where practical.

  • Appliance storage

    Unplug and store hot appliances away from children.

  • Outdoor areas

    Outdoor sockets covered and garden lighting cables protected.

03Checklist

Check these

  • RCD protection

    For sockets in living and play areas.

  • Damaged sockets or plugs

    Replace them.

  • Night lights

    Plug-in lights in good condition and away from bedding.

04Questions

Questions people ask

Are socket covers a good idea?
Opinions differ; some designs can damage sockets. Many sockets have internal shutters; check yours.
What about baby monitors and night lights?
Keep cables out of reach of cots and use devices in good condition.
Are pool areas a concern?
Electrical equipment near water should be properly installed and protected.
Should an electrician check the home?
A check of RCD protection and socket condition is sensible.

05Related

Related guides

This guide sits under electrical work. All topics are on the guides page.

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