As a new dad, I can genuinely relate to the excitement and busyness that comes with welcoming a new baby into your home. Amidst all the joy, it’s crucial for parents like us to pause and ensure our homes are safe and secure environments for our little ones. As a local Perth electrician and the founder of Prolecko, I feel it’s my responsibility to guide new parents on how to protect their children from potential electrical hazards. So, let me share with you some essential baby-proofing tips for the major electrical touch points of your home. This way you can sleep better (as best as possible) knowing you have done your due diligence from an electrical safety standpoint.
Smoke Alarms: Do more than the minimum.
Smoke alarms play a vital role in providing early warning and protection in case of a fire. At a minimum, your smoke alarm installation should meet the legal requirements for smoke alarms in Western Australia. But there are a few areas that I think new parents should place extra care.
In Western Australia, the law states that smoke alarms must be:
- Connected to mains power.
- Have a backup Battery
- Be replaced every ten years: the replacement date is printed on the inside.
- Installed in the hallway outside sleeping areas.
While these requirements are good for the general populous, you know as well as I do that kids are unpredictable, so here is how you can fill the gaps.
Replace the backup battery of your smoke alarm annually!
We at Prolecko recommend replacing the battery annually. This is essential, while you might think your smoke alarm is connected to the mains, you will still want it to work if the power goes out.
Install a smoke alarm in your child’s bedroom.
In Western Australia, the minimum requirement sees you needing a smoke alarm in the hallway outside sleeping areas. However, remember that your young ones will regularly sleep with their doors shut. So, in case of a fire in their room, we strongly recommend getting your local electrician to install one in their bedroom for added protection.
Safety Switches (RCDs): Your guardian angel.
Safety switches, also known as Residual Current Devices (RCDs), protect against electrical shocks or accidents. RCD safety switches cut power to an electrical circuit when the fault current breaches a certain threshold. In simple terms an RCD reads the amount of power flowing into the circuit through the active conductor and compares it to the amount of power flowing out of a circuit through the neutral conductor. If there is a difference in these currents over the allowable threshold, due to an electric shock or faulty appliance, the safety switch will immediately trip off and isolate the power. It is very important to verify that your RCD safety switches or operating correctly and cover every circuit in the house.
An easy way to test the safety switch at home is to press the test button, ensure the switch trips without delay, check power has gone off around the house. As with any mechanical device, if you don’t use it then it will seize up and won’t work when you do need it. Therefore the manufactures recommends that the test button be pressed at least once a month to ensure they stay in good working condition.
Consider using a more sensitive RCD safety switch.
There are two main types of RCDs:
- 30mA RCDs: The most common type of RCD safety switch in Perth homes. They trip out when the earth leakage fault current gets above 30mA.
- Sensitive 10mA RCDs: These are less common safety switches, tripping out at just 10mA, typically found in hospitals and day-cares, these sensitive safety switches are what I installed in my own home as I knew they would give better protection if anything happened to my kids.
Power Outlets: How do you say no touching to an infant?
As children grow and become more curious, they may be attracted to power outlets, which are often at eye level. While you might have already installed safety switches, we really cannot completely rely on one small piece of equipment to protect our children from electrocution.
Cover your power points with plug protectors.
To be safe, its best to blank off unused power points all together to block access to those little fingers. There are packs of outlet covers at Kmart for just $5 making them a completely affordable way of making your home safer. Also don’t forget that rearranging your furniture to limit access to outlets and cords is free and goes a long way to making that room safer.
Cable Management: Less cables = less worries.
I’ve noticed that children, like my son Malachi, love playing with cords, which can pose a safety hazard if left unchecked. That’s why it’s so important to check for frays or damage on cables. I also recommend you tuck them away behind furniture when possible and remove any unused cords from the area. Don’t hesitate to consult with a qualified electrician for advice on managing and securing your cables or adding extra socket outlets in more convenient locations.
Electrical Safety Checks: For the hidden hazards.
As a professional electrician, I cannot stress enough the importance of regular electrical safety checks for maintaining a safe environment for your family. At Prolecko, we offer a comprehensive 27-step electrical safety check service to ensure your home is up to scratch.
Baby proofing your home is an essential part of preparing for your new arrival. By following these electrical safety tips, you can create a secure environment for your little one to explore and grow. Remember to consult with a professional electrician for further guidance and assistance in making your home safe for your family. Embrace the excitement of having children and lets work together to keep them safe.
