Electrical Safety for Kids – GFCI & Child Proofing

A little baby is reaching for a plug socket at home not knowing the danger

In the United States, approximately 1000 deaths can be attributed to electrical shocks. This is a staggering number that shows just how dangerous it can be for homeowners to leave their outlets exposed and their children unprotected from electrical shocks.

Fortunately, there are various electrical safety for kids solutions you can utilize to make sure your children stay safe from hazardous shock injuries. At North Royalton Electric, we’ll make sure your child-proofing electrical socket covers are of the highest quality and provide other safety measures to keep your family safe.

Child Proofing Electrical Outlets

Childproofing your electrical outlets is a lot simpler than you might think. Our services at North Royalton Electric in Northeastern Ohio start with a comprehensive electrical safety inspection. Our technicians will examine your home and determine if there are any unsafe situations. These can include:

  • Frayed wires
  • Burnt outlets
  • Old outlets that are two-pronged
  • Outlets that aren’t covered
Electrician taking notes while working

We’ll make sure to also upgrade outlets that are at your child’s height, so you can have peace of mind knowing anything within your child’s reach is fully protected from shocks and hazards. Our technicians will also make sure to cover any outlets that might come into contact with water, such as those in your kitchen and bathroom. We’ll help protect outlets from 125 volts to 150 volts and 250 volts. 

You should also let our team know of any suspicious outlets in your home. Have you had trouble with these outlets suddenly shocking you? Do these outlets suddenly give out even when no other outlets seem to? These could all be indicators of a faulty outlet that needs to be replaced as soon as possible. 

After our inspection, we will upgrade your outlets using childproof outlet covers and other safety equipment. These include GFCI breakers and GFCI plug equipment. This safety equipment will then be properly inspected to ensure any ground faults are stopped in their tracks.

Finally, our team will also provide advice and tips to help keep your child safe from electrical hazards. For starters, it’s important to keep your children away from any exposed wiring and stop them from playing near outlets, especially with wet or dirty hands.

Your circuit breakers and outlets should all be covered with a lock (if possible) to prevent your child from touching them as well. These are just some of the many valuable tips we can help provide your family in addition to our electrical safety installation services.

Electrical Safety: GFCI

Electrician at work on an electrical panel protected by helmet and gloves

A GFCI plug or GFCI breaker is also called a “ground fault circuit interrupter.” These types of GFCI outlets are designed to detect ground faults and stop them in as little as 1/40th of a second.

GFCI outlets and systems are constantly monitoring your ground fault electrical system, detecting any shorts or malfunctions. By providing constant monitoring to your systems, they can detect any changes and prevent electrocutions from occurring.

Although these GFCI childproof electrical outlets appear to be similar to other outlets, they are updated and safer than traditional outlets in your home. It’s important to call a technician who can determine whether or not your home’s outlets are appropriately outfitted with a GFCI breaker.

For people building their homes, or people that have purchased an older home, it’s critical to outfit your home with the latest GFCI breaker and GFCI plug available.  

Start Child Proofing your Homes

At North Royalton Electric, our father-daughter team understands the importance of family and wants to help keep your family safe. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency services for your family and are available in case of any emergency, day or night. Our expert electricians can also help you with installing childproof outlets to keep your growing family safe, as well as helping you with electrical wire rooting and extensions.

Scroll to Top