How to Childproof the Electrical Setup in Your Home
As parents, carers or guardians, one of our biggest responsibilities is making sure our home is safe for young children. Once your little one starts crawling, exploring and reaching for things, it becomes clear just how many hazards exist in everyday household items. Electrical safety is one of the most important areas to address.
At North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical, we’ve helped many families childproof their homes and reduce the risk of electrical accidents. In this blog, we’ll walk you through practical steps to childproof your home’s electrical setup, helping you create a safe and stress-free environment for your growing family.
Why Electrical Safety Matters
Electricity is everywhere in the modern home. From power points and extension cords to appliances and charging stations, children are constantly exposed to potential electrical hazards.
According to statistics, hundreds of children in Australia are hospitalised each year due to preventable electrical injuries. Most incidents involve young children placing fingers or objects into power points, pulling on cords, or playing with unsafe appliances. Fortunately, with the right precautions, these risks can be significantly reduced.
1. Install Power Point Covers or Safety Plugs
Power points are at eye level for toddlers and naturally attract their curiosity. One of the simplest ways to childproof your home is by installing power point covers or safety plugs.
These plastic inserts fit securely into unused power points and make it difficult for children to insert fingers or objects into the sockets. Choose covers that are tight-fitting and require adult-level strength to remove. Avoid flimsy options that can be pried off easily.
For a more permanent solution, consider having your electrician install child-resistant power points which have built-in safety shutters.
2. Hide or Secure Cords and Extension Leads
Loose cords, extension leads and power boards are a real hazard for young kids. They can trip, pull appliances onto themselves or even chew on cords, which can be extremely dangerous.
Tips for managing cords safely:
Use cord covers or cable concealers to hide cords along walls or floors
Secure long cables behind furniture using adhesive clips or cable organisers
Keep power boards out of reach and out of sight
Never run cords under rugs or mats where they can overheat
If you have pets as well as kids, hiding cords becomes even more important.
3. Avoid Overloaded Power Boards
Overloading power boards is dangerous in any household, but especially risky when children are present. Too many plugs in one board can overheat, spark, or even catch fire.
Choose power boards with overload protection and child-safe features, such as built-in covers or recessed sockets. Never connect multiple power boards together, and always ensure they are placed somewhere children cannot access them.
If you find yourself running out of power points, speak with a licensed electrician about installing additional wall sockets to suit your family’s needs.
4. Use Safety Switches (RCDs)
Safety switches, also known as residual current devices (RCDs), are designed to cut off power within milliseconds if an electrical fault is detected. They are essential in preventing electrocution and serious injury.
In Queensland, all new homes and renovations are required to have safety switches installed on power and lighting circuits. But older homes may still be missing them.
If you’re unsure whether your home is protected, contact a licensed electrician for an inspection. Installing safety switches on all circuits in your switchboard is one of the best ways to protect your family.
5. Keep Appliances Out of Reach
Kettles, toasters, heaters and hairdryers should always be kept well out of reach of children. These items not only pose an electrical risk but can also burn or injure a curious child.
Helpful tips:
Unplug appliances when not in use
Coil up cords so they are not dangling or tempting to pull
Store small appliances in cupboards with child locks
Avoid using portable heaters in play areas or bedrooms
Install stove knob covers and oven locks in the kitchen
Always check that appliances are in good condition and do not have frayed cords or exposed wires.
6. Be Cautious with Chargers and Devices
Mobile phone and tablet chargers are often left plugged in around the house. Children love grabbing cords, and many chargers heat up quickly or contain electrical components that can be dangerous if mishandled.
Best practices include:
Unplug chargers when not in use
Avoid charging devices on soft surfaces like beds or couches
Keep all charging areas out of children’s reach
Replace damaged or cheap knock-off chargers with high-quality, Australian-certified products
7. Secure the Switchboard
Your electrical switchboard contains live circuits and should be treated with caution. Make sure it is closed, secure, and not easily accessible to children.
If your switchboard is located in an area your child can access, consider installing a cabinet lock or moving any furniture that gives them climbing access.
If your switchboard is outdated or lacks safety switches, it may be time for an upgrade. Our team at North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical can assess your system and recommend improvements.
8. Install Tamper-Resistant Outlets
Some newer outlets include tamper-resistant features that prevent foreign objects from being inserted. These are ideal for families with toddlers and young children and are a great addition when renovating or building.
Ask your electrician to recommend child-safe outlets that meet current Australian standards. It’s a small investment that can go a long way in preventing injuries.
9. Educate as Your Child Grows
While physical safety measures are essential, it’s also important to begin teaching your child about electrical safety from an early age. Use simple language to explain that:
Power points are not toys
Cords should not be pulled or chewed
Water and electricity do not mix
Only adults should plug in or unplug devices
As your child gets older, continue reinforcing safe habits around appliances, electronics and switches.
Childproofing your electrical setup is one of the most important steps you can take to create a safe home. While it may seem overwhelming at first, many of the changes are simple, affordable and highly effective.
At North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical, we’re here to help local families across North Brisbane, including North Lakes, Mango Hill, Eatons Hill, and surrounding suburbs. Whether you need a full home inspection, safety switch installation or extra power points, we’ve got you covered.
Need help childproofing your home?
Call North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical or book an inspection online. Our friendly, licensed electricians will provide expert advice and peace of mind for your growing family.
