Baby electrical safety tips - How to baby proof everything electrical
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Baby electrical safety tips - How to baby proof everything electrical

Baby Electrical Safety Tips – How To Baby Proof Everything Electrical

By Sherry Holmes

Mike’s Advice / Electrical

Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 @ 12:39pm

How To Make Your Home Safe For Your Baby

Baby safety is a pretty wide-ranging topic. There are all the obvious things any new parent knows to do – like installing safety latches on cupboards, padding sharp corners, and keeping harmful objects out of arm’s reach. 

But where else should you be focusing your baby’s safety efforts? Installing outlet covers to protect your baby from any shocks is a good start. Electrical safety, especially when it comes to your newest arrival, is a lot more encompassing than that. 

Here are five safety tips to help you babyproof your new addition.

 

5) Install Tamper-Resistant Receptacles


These outlets, also known as child safety outlets, should be installed throughout the home. This is important to avoid burns or shocks caused by children inserting their small fingers or items into the outlet. Tamper-resistant receptacles not only ensure code compliance but also deliver automatic, continual protection from electrical injury as a result of inserting foreign objects and provide significantly improved protection over traditional receptacles with removable plastic safety caps. 

 

 

Most new builds across North America should have tamper-resistant receptacles due to code. If you live in an older home, you will want to upgrade your receptacles.

 

Always hire a licensed electrical contractor, like Frank, to do your electrical work and get the tamper-resistant receptacles installed.

Always hire a licensed electrical contractor, like Frank, to do your electrical work and get the tamper-resistant receptacles installed.

 

Eaton offers tamper-resistant receptacles that feature a UL Listed safety shutter system that prevents the insertion of foreign objects, like keys, paperclips, and hairpins, into a receptacle to help prevent shock. The safety shutters will only open upon simultaneous insertion of 2 plug blades. 

 

Learn more about Eaton’s receptacle solutions and upgrade your home today.

 

4) Bring Comfort with a Nightlight


Wallbox nightlights help provide safety, comfort, and functionality with dimmable long-lasting energy-saving LED bulbs by improving wayfinding in the dark. The light sensor automatically turns the nightlight ON when it becomes dark and automatically OFF when the room has light. 

Mike Holmes recently renovated his bathroom and added some wall box night lights.

My dad recently renovated his bathroom and added some wallbox nightlights.

 

It’s very easy to install in place of your traditional receptacles. This is great for bathrooms, hallways, stairs and anywhere really where you’d want to add some guiding light

 

 

3) Upgrade to GFCI outlets


GFCI receptacles provide superior safety and help ensure electric shock protection in areas where electrical power may come into contact with water, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Eaton’s GFCI with an audible alarm will alert parents if the GFCI has tripped.

Learn more about GFCI receptacle requirements and how to test and reset GFCI receptacles in your home.

Learn more about GFCI receptacle requirements and how to test and reset GFCI receptacles in your home.

 

RELATED

Learn more about Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

 

2) Switch To Smart Technology


New technology including the Wi-Fi smart devices can offer parents added safety and security by allowing you to schedule lights and have remote access to connected devices when you’re away from home. 

Wi-Fi smart switches, receptacles, and dimmers can be set up quickly and easily with Amazon’s Alexa App. No hubs or controllers are necessary. Best of all, Eaton’s Wi-Fi smart devices can be installed by simply replacing current devices, with no new wiring needed. Being able to monitor your devices right from your phone offers a convenience that goes beyond baby safety.

 

 

RELATED

5 Easy Ways to Create a Smart Home that Works for You

 

Smart Home Trends and Codes to note from Eaton.

Smart Home Trends and Codes to note. Download The Full Infographic From Eaton Here.

 

Install Smart Lighting

To me, smart lighting just makes sense. The Philips Hue smart lights are ideal for reading or playing with your little ones, or resting since they can be tuned to the proper hue and brightness. These lights connect to your home Wi-Fi network and are controlled using the Philips Hue app on your phone. There are so many light settings available, as well as the option to automate the lighting.

 

1) Going Hands-Free (or hands-full)


Turn lights on and off automatically with occupancy and vacancy sensors which allow you to enter the room with your hands full, making them convenient for nurseries. 

Eaton’s motion sensor lighting controls use advanced Passive Infrared (PIR) and ultrasonic sensing technology to detect your presence and switch lights ON. Then, once you’ve left the room, our sensors turn the lights OFF following a preset period of time. No more fumbling for the light switch when you’ve got your arms full with the baby.

I love working with Eaton because they know that there’s nothing more important than keeping your child safe and their goal is to help provide products that assist in creating a safe environment for your family. 

 

Remember, any electrical work should be done by a qualified electrician to ensure proper installation. Find an Eaton Certified Electrical Contractor member near you!

 

 

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