You’ve childproofed the medicine cabinet and moved cleaning products out of reach, but what about power points, charging cables and power boards?
As children start crawling, reaching and eventually using their own devices, everyday electrical equipment around the home deserves a little more attention. A frayed charger, overloaded power board or accessible power point may not seem like a major issue, but these are exactly the kinds of hazards worth checking regularly.
Here are seven areas to keep an eye on around the family home.
1. Unprotected Power Points
Start with bedrooms, play areas and living spaces, particularly power points within easy reach of younger children.
Simple precautions include using purpose-made childproof plugs in unused power points, keeping cords out of reach where possible and unplugging portable appliances when they are not being used.
The NSW Government’s electrical safety advice also recommends covering unused power points, avoiding faulty electrical leads and keeping electrical appliances away from water.
It is worth checking these areas again whenever furniture is moved or as children become more mobile.
2. Damaged Cords, Plugs and Electrical Equipment
Chargers, lamps, laptop leads, gaming equipment and portable appliances can all become damaged with regular use.
Look for frayed wires, cracked plugs, damaged casings, discolouration, overheating or signs of water damage. Pay particular attention to cables repeatedly bent near the plug or trapped behind furniture.
Electrical tape should not be treated as a permanent repair. If a cord, plug or appliance is visibly damaged, stop using it and have it properly repaired or replaced.
3. Overloaded Power Boards and Double Adaptors
With televisions, consoles, chargers and other devices competing for outlets, power boards can quickly become crowded.
Check for loose plugs, damaged leads, discolouration or signs of overheating, and avoid covering power boards with clothing, toys or other items that can trap heat.
Do not connect multiple power boards or double adaptors together. If you regularly need more outlets in a room, speak with a licensed electrician about whether additional power points would be appropriate.
4. Extension Leads Being Used Permanently
Extension leads are intended for temporary use, but it is easy for them to quietly become part of the furniture.
Leads running behind furniture, through doorways or across areas where children play can be pulled, crushed or damaged.
Check extension leads for cuts, fraying, damaged plugs or water damage. Indoor leads should not be used outdoors, and damaged electrical leads should be replaced rather than modified at home.
5. Electrical Equipment Around Water
Bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, pool areas and outdoor spaces require extra care.
Keep electrical appliances, extension leads and power boards away from water and anywhere they could be splashed. Also consider whether a child pulling on a cord could bring an appliance closer to a sink, bath or other wet area.
If electrical equipment becomes wet or shows signs of water damage, stop using it and do not attempt to open or repair internal electrical components yourself.
6. Unsafe Charging of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Phones, tablets, laptops, toys, e-bikes and e-scooters commonly use lithium-ion batteries, making safe charging habits increasingly important in family homes.
A few precautions include:
- Charge devices on a hard surface rather than a bed, sofa or carpet
- Keep charging devices away from bedding and other flammable materials
- Avoid charging while everyone is asleep or away from home
- Check batteries for swelling, leaking, cracks, dents or unusual heat
- Stop using or charging a battery that appears damaged
If children charge devices in their bedrooms, make sure they understand why phones and tablets should not be left charging on beds or underneath bedding.
7. Check Your Safety Switches
Safety switches are designed to protect people from electric shock, while circuit breakers protect electrical wiring and equipment.
Look for switches marked with a “T” or “Test” button and follow the recommended testing instructions. If a safety switch does not cut the power when tested, or you are unsure which circuits are protected, contact a licensed electrician.
Never open or work inside the switchboard yourself.
What About an Electrical Fire?
Adults in the household may also want to familiarise themselves with general guidance about what to do during an electrical fire.
If there is any doubt about whether a fire can be handled safely, getting everyone out of the property and calling Triple Zero (000) should take priority.
Make Electrical Safety an Ongoing Check
Electrical safety is not really a one-time childproofing job. It is worth taking another look when children start crawling, bedrooms are rearranged, new devices enter the home or cords and appliances become damaged.
As children grow, teaching them to recognise damaged cords, charge devices safely and tell an adult when something does not look right can also help build good habits.
If you are reviewing safety around the home more broadly, our feature on keeping your home safe with CGF Security & Electrical looks at local electrical and home security services available in the Sutherland Shire.
A quick check every now and then can pick up small problems before they become bigger ones, while electrical repairs, wiring and switchboard work should always be left to a licensed electrician.
