Child-proof socket covers - safety concerns

Solair

I stumbled across this website and just thought it was quite interesting as they seem to have really gone into quite a lot of depth to show that there are many child-proof socket protectors on the market which actually increase the danger of standard Irish/British electrical sockets.

Quite an interesting read, and it might certainly make you consider replacing any faulty / old sockets rather than installing those plug-in socket blanking devices.

http://www.fatallyflawed.org.uk/index.html

M cebee

i would prob just fit 'MK sockets' if child safety was a concern

and assuming circuits are already 'RCD protected'

there's loads of dodgy gadgets on the market

the 'mk flush metal' will provide mechanical/impact protecton as well - always a good choice


sockets can be left broken for a while -just as dangerous as the shutters

2011

Very interesting Solair. Well spotted.

astrofool

The article isn't really that great. I've recently been changing over all the old sockets for newer sockets with switches, but I also got some of the plug covers for the sockets we rarely use. They cover the socket entirely, and are impossible to get out, there's no gripping surface, I'll need to lever them out when we decide to use them again (think I got them in Woodies).

Also, there's something that a kid will have ready access to that will allow them to do the exact same thing as the above article, it's called a plug.

M cebee

ya the article is over-hyped

but at the same time wouldn't bother with cheap switched sockets and covers -can't see the point