A proactive approach to home electrical safety can help protect your family and resolve potential electrical concerns in line with the latest guidelines.
If you have young children in your home or are expecting to host upcoming events with young relatives in the coming months, now is the time to explore the latest residential electrical safety measures. Our electricians at Custom Electrical have decades of experience safeguarding homes throughout Iowa, and we’re highlighting our guide to child electrical safety.
Home Electrical Safety Measures
Install Tamper-Proof Outlets
The latest version of the National Electrical Code requires tamper-resistant outlets in homes built or renovated after 2008. These outlets require equal pressure on both slots to allow insertion, significantly reducing the risk of children accidentally making contact with electricity.
Electrical Outlet Safety Data
- According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Electrical Safety Foundation International, approximately 2,850 children suffer injuries using electrical receptacles annually.
- Hairpins/bobby pins and fingers are the most commonly inserted items into electrical outlets.
Electrician Recommendation
If your home has older outlets, consider upgrading to tamper-resistant versions. For families with young children, plastic outlet covers provide an additional safety measure when outlets are not in use.
Manage Electrical Devices and Cords
Electrical Cord Safety Statistics
According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution and lighting equipment is involved in an estimated 34,000 home fires annually, causing approximately 470 deaths and 1,100 injuries per year. Extension cords and power strips account for over 3,300 home fires annually, resulting in nearly 50 fatalities and 270 injuries.
Professional Recommendation
Implement a comprehensive cord management system in your home. Use cord covers or concealers for exposed wiring, especially in high-traffic areas. Install additional outlets rather than relying on extension cords for permanent solutions. Consider using cord shorteners to reduce excess cord length that can entice children.
For entertainment centers and computer setups, use cord management boxes to contain power strips and excess cabling away from curious hands. Replace any cord showing signs of wear immediately, as damaged insulation creates significant fire and shock hazards.
Consider All the Ways Water Can Contact Electricity
Water making contact with electricity is one of the leading causes of electric shocks in homes across the U.S. Conduct a comprehensive review of your home electrical structure and consider all areas in which water and electricity may interact. For example:
Pool Safety
Evacuate swimming pools immediately during thunderstorms. Lightning can travel horizontally through water, creating extreme danger for swimmers.
Appliances
Keep all electrical appliances away from water sources, including sinks, tubs, and toilets.
GFCI Outlets
GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are the most effective way to prevent electric shocks from your outlets. Call your local electrician to install GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchens, and basement spaces, where moisture and electricity can interact and potentially cause severe injury.
Electronic Equipment Safety for Children
Children are innately curious. Appliances that make sounds and light up command their attention. Proactive electrical equipment safety can help prevent children from touching dangerous appliances and equipment that could carry a live electric charge.
Keep the following in mind when storing electrical equipment around the home:
- Keep appliances like hairdryers, tablets, and kitchen appliances out of reach until children understand proper handling.
- Avoid using devices like phones and hairdryers near bathtubs or when bathing children.
- Consider child-proof cabinet locks for storing dangerous appliances.
Teaching Children Electrical Safety at Home
As your children grow and become more curious about the world around them, you can help guide them in using electrical appliances safely and respecting the power of electricity.
Educate children about these essential safety rules:
- Never insert fingers or objects into wall outlets
- Always grasp the plug (not the cord) when unplugging devices
- Keep all electrical items away from water sources
- Stay away from power lines, electrical substations, and utility boxes
- Never leave devices charging overnight, particularly on beds or soft surfaces
Additional Child-Friendly Electrical Safety Upgrades
Going the extra mile with electrical safety will help provide that additional layer of security in preventing future shocks, fires, and other hazards. If you’re planning a home renovation in the coming months, take a step in securing your family’s electrical systems with the following upgrades:
- Whole-house surge protection to safeguard sensitive electronics
- Dedicated circuits for high-demand appliances
- Upgraded electrical panels for older homes
- Smart home systems that allow monitoring of electrical usage and remote control of devices
- Proper grounding and bonding for pools, hot tubs, and other water features
By implementing these comprehensive safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical accidents in your home and create a safer environment for your children and family.
Professional Electrical Safety Maintenance
Schedule Regular Electrical Safety Inspections
Without comprehensive knowledge of electrical systems and appliance safety, it’s difficult for most homeowners to identify potential power safety hazards. Custom Electrical Services completes a safety inspection of each home we visit as a priority. Our electricians offer guidance on issues we identify and help homeowners protect their families and uncover dangerous wiring and appliance concerns.
Beyond our routine electrical safety inspections, we recommend a comprehensive annual safety inspection with our licensed electricians.
Comprehensive electrical inspections include:
- Checking the electrical panel for proper function and adequate capacity
- Inspecting wiring throughout the home for signs of wear or damage
- Testing GFCIs and AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) for proper function
- Verifying proper grounding throughout the electrical system
- Examining outdoor electrical components for weather damage
Consider enrolling in the Custom Electrical Safeguard and Savings Plan, which includes complimentary annual inspections, discounts on repairs, guaranteed priority service, and 5-year warranties on all installations.
Call Upon Custom Electrical for All Home Electrical Safety Services
Custom Electrical Services is an Iowa electrical safety leader. We’re available 24/7 when you have urgent electrical safety needs, and our team can help answer your questions and support you in creating a safe environment for your family.
Whether you have an older home and want to upgrade to GFCI outlets or are simply looking to book an inspection to determine potential repairs and upgrades, call upon decades of electrical experience with our Master Electricians. We offer services throughout Greater Des Moines, including Ames, Clive, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill. You can also book Custom Electrical Services in the Eastern Iowa region across Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, and Coralville. Request your service call today by booking an electrician online.
