How to Child Proof Your Electrical Outlets at Home: Follow Our Complete Guide

When you’ve got little ones crawling or toddling around, suddenly everything in your home looks like a potential hazard − especially electrical outlets.

Those small, low-to-the-ground openings are just the right size for curious fingers, making them a real safety concern for parents and carers.

The good news is that child-proofing your electrical outlets is simple, affordable and can bring serious peace of mind. Whether you’re prepping your home for a new baby or updating your safety measures for a growing toddler, there are plenty of practical solutions to keep little hands away from dangerous shocks.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through why outlet safety is important, what types of outlet covers are best, and some extra tips to make your home safer for your little explorer.

Why Electrical Outlet Safety Matters

When babies start crawling and exploring, they become naturally curious about everything − including those mysterious holes in the wall. Unfortunately, electrical outlets pose a very real danger to young children.

Here’s why making them safe should be a top priority in any family home:

• High risk of electric shock: A child inserting fingers or metal objects into an outlet can receive a severe electric shock, which may result in burns or even more serious injuries.
• Outlets are within easy reach: Most power points are located low on the wall, right at eye level for toddlers.
• Children move fast: Even if you’re supervising, it only takes a second for a child to poke something into an unprotected socket.
• Accidents are more common than you think: Thousands of children are treated every year for outlet-related injuries − many of which could have been easily prevented.
• Prevention is simple: A few inexpensive safety products can make your home significantly safer without needing major electrical work.

Protecting your kids from outlets is an easy win in childproofing your space.

Types of Electrical Outlet Covers

One of the easiest ways to child-proof your electrical outlets is by using outlet covers. There are several types available, and choosing the right one depends on how often you use the outlet and how much protection you need.

Here’s a quick rundown of your options:

• Plastic plug-in caps: These are the most basic and affordable option. They fit directly into the outlet holes and are tricky for small hands to remove. Just be careful − some children can eventually figure them out, so they’re best for occasional use.
• Sliding outlet covers: These replace your existing outlet faceplates. When nothing is plugged in, the internal cover slides shut automatically. They’re great for outlets you use often since there’s nothing to remove or misplace.
• Box-style covers: Perfect for outlets with things constantly plugged in − like TVs or lamps. These bulky covers surround the entire plug and outlet, preventing kids from tampering with cords.
• Self-closing covers: Similar to sliding covers, these snap shut once the plug is removed, offering automatic protection.

Choosing the right cover keeps little fingers safe and gives you peace of mind.

Installing Tamper-Resistant Outlets

Tamper-resistant outlets (TROs) are one of the best long-term solutions for child-proofing your electrical outlets.

These special power points have built-in safety shutters that block access to the electrical contacts unless both prongs of a plug are inserted at the same time. That means curious little fingers − or anything else your child might try to push in − won’t get through.

TROs look just like regular outlets and work exactly the same, but they’re designed to stop accidental shocks before they happen. In fact, they’re now required by electrical codes in new homes and renovations across many parts of Australia.

If your home is older or hasn’t been updated recently, it might not have TROs installed. In that case, it’s worth getting a licensed electrician to replace your existing outlets with tamper-resistant ones. It’s a simple upgrade that adds a huge layer of protection for young children.

Best of all, once TROs are installed, you don’t have to worry about plug-in caps or covers − your outlets will always be kid-safe, no extra effort needed.

Keeping Cords and Power Boards Out of Reach

It’s not just the outlets themselves that pose a risk − loose cords and power boards can be just as dangerous to young children.

Cords are tempting to tug, chew or play with, and power boards often have multiple exposed sockets that are easy to reach. That’s why keeping them out of sight and out of reach is just as important as child-proofing the outlets.

Start by tucking cords behind furniture or using cord covers to keep them neatly secured against the wall. You can also use cord shorteners or cable management boxes to avoid long, dangling wires that kids might grab.

For power boards, avoid placing them on the floor where kids can easily access them. Instead, mount them higher up if possible, or use a child-proof power board cover that blocks access to the sockets.

And remember − never overload a power board or use extension cords as a permanent solution. A tidy, well-managed cord setup not only makes your space safer for kids, but it also reduces the risk of electrical fires and tripping hazards.

Educating Your Child (When Age-Appropriate)

While physical safety measures are essential, teaching your child about electrical safety is just as important − especially as they grow and start to understand instructions.

Here’s how you can help them learn safe habits early on:

1. Start with simple rules: Teach them that outlets are not toys and they should never touch or put anything in them.
2. Use clear, age-appropriate language: Say things like “That’s not safe”, or “Only grown-ups use this”. Simple messages go a long way.
3. Set boundaries: Reinforce that cords, plugs, and power boards are off-limits. If needed, place stickers or visual reminders near outlets.
4. Lead by example: Avoid unplugging things roughly or leaving cords lying around. Kids often mimic adult behaviour.
5. Answer their questions: If they ask about outlets or plugs, don’t brush it off. Use it as a teachable moment to explain safety in a calm, reassuring way.
6. Repeat the message regularly: A gentle reminder here and there helps the lesson stick.

With a mix of education and supervision, your child will grow up knowing how to stay safe around electricity.

Additional Electrical Safety Tips for Families

Beyond child-proofing your outlets, there are a few extra steps you can take to create an even safer home environment for your little ones. Here are some simple but effective tips every family should keep in mind:

• Avoid overloading outlets: Plugging too many devices into one outlet or power board can overheat and become a fire hazard.
• Use child-safe power boards: Some come with built-in safety covers or circuit breakers (and surge protection) to add an extra layer of protection.
• Unplug unused appliances: Not only does this save energy, but it also removes temptation from curious hands.
• Secure furniture near outlets: Make sure bookshelves or TVs can’t be pulled over by kids trying to reach behind them for cords.
• Inspect cords regularly: Frayed or damaged cords should be replaced right away to prevent shocks or fire.
• Keep water away from electronics: Never place devices near sinks, bathtubs, or anywhere moisture could be an issue.

These small, everyday precautions can make a big difference in keeping your family safe around electricity.

Keep Your Little Explorers Safe

Child-proofing your electrical outlets might seem like a small task, but it makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping your little ones safe.

From simple plug-in caps to tamper-resistant outlets and clever cord management, there are plenty of effective ways to protect curious hands from harm. And as your child grows, teaching them about electrical safety becomes just as important as the physical barriers you put in place.

A few thoughtful changes now can give you peace of mind and create a safer environment for your entire family.

If you’re unsure about any electrical upgrades or want professional help installing safer outlets, don’t hesitate to call in a licensed electrician. Safety starts at home − and it starts with being prepared.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.