Should I use plug socket covers?

The use of covers negates existing safety measures in the form of protective shutters, exposing the live electrical contacts. Covers can come loose or be easily removed by children, resulting in risk of electrocution. Covers can also damage the socket, which may lead to overheating and risk of fire.

Are socket covers bad?

It has previously been believed that plug socket covers offer safety and prevent children from inserting their fingers in to plug sockets and getting an electric shock from doing so. However, newer findings suggest that in fact the plug socket covers themselves could cause children to suffer from electric shocks.

What is a socket cover?

These outlet covers feature a cap design that can easily be inserted into the outlets without any tools. These outlet covers feature a cap design that can easily be inserted into the outlets without any tools.

Are plug socket covers safe UK?

1) UK sockets are already designed to be safe. All 13A sockets incorporate a shutter system which provides protection against access to the live and neutral contacts. 2) Socket covers make sockets less safe as they can be used to override the in-built protection of the socket.

Should you use socket covers for babies?

Babies’ fingers too big to fit in socket holes They even claim that socket covers can make the sockets more dangerous as using them can lead to the socket overheating and maybe going on fire. Putting the cover in may damage the shutters that are there to give protection.

Do you need socket covers in the UK?

Actually, socket covers are UNREGULATED! None have been approved for use in UK sockets. All 13A electrical sockets which are installed in your home must, by law, conform to BS 1363, which means that they must be safe and have been properly tested for correct insulation.

What do outlet covers do?

But outlet covers are a simple fix. Like the name implies, they plug into or go over outlets. They prevent tykes from inserting their fingers or anything else into the slots and getting an electrical shock.

What are plug in covers called?

duplex receptacle covers
Duplex Plates Fit Center-Hole Devices Duplex outlet covers, also known as duplex receptacle covers, are used to cover electrical plugs.

Why do plugs have plastic covers?

What is the purpose of the plastic 13 Amp plug pin protector? Initially it is to protect the electrical appliance from damage in transit. Packed with a plastic cased appliance the plug pins could scratch or break an appliance in transit if allowed to come into close contact with it.

Can you get an electric shock from a plug socket?

Shocks from touching electrical outlets or from small appliances in the home rarely cause serious injury. However, prolonged contact may cause harm.

How do I make sockets safe for babies?

The quickest and simplest way of protecting your child from electric shock is by using a simple electric socket cover. These look a little like electric plugs, but are flat as they don’t actually contain any cables. These push into the sockets and can’t be pulled out easily by small fingers.

How do you child proof a socket?

Simply remove your old outlet cover and replace it with a baby safe one. The outlet itself has a spring loaded plastic cover that prevents your child from poking anything inside of the outlet. To plug in an appliance; simply place the prongs of your plug into the cover and slide it across.