Is Your Home’s Electrical System Safe For Young Children?
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) 2,400 children in the U.S. are treated for injuries caused by electrical outlets. To gauge the level of risk in the average home with small children, the ESFI conducted a survey of mothers with young children regarding the importance of Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs), which have been required by the National Electrical Code since 2008 to prevent these injuries. The results show that much more education is needed.
- Nearly 1/3 of parents with young children do not have their outlets childproofed
- 86% of parents who childproof their outlets use plastic outlet caps
- 40% agree that plastic outlet caps could be removed by toddlers
- Over 1/3 are unaware if their child’s daycare provider or school childproofs their electrical outlets
- 44% of respondents are not familiar at all with TRRs
- 61% of respondents who have TRRs have them due to previous installation before they moved
Why are TRRs preferred over other outlet protection devices such as caps or sliding outlet covers?
100% of all 2-4 year olds were able to remove one type of plastic outlet cap within 10 seconds in a study by Temple University In addition, outlet safety caps may pose as a choking hazard. TRRs provide permanent security against the insertion of objects other than cord plugs into the energized slots.
100% of all 2-4 year olds were able to remove one type of plastic outlet cap within 10 seconds in a study by Temple University In addition, outlet safety caps may pose as a choking hazard. TRRs provide permanent security against the insertion of objects other than cord plugs into the energized slots.
Need help creating a child-safe electrical system in your home? Call MR Plumbing, we can perform an electrical safety inspection and install a range of safety devices from tamper resistant outlets to GFCIs and more.
