Electrical Safety for Families with Kids and Pets

When you have children or pets running around, your home needs to be more than just comfortable — it needs to be safe. Electricity makes modern life possible, but it can also be dangerous if not properly managed.

At Bluerock Electrical, we regularly help families in Barnet and North London create safer living spaces by childproofing outlets, upgrading wiring, and installing protective devices. In this guide, we’ll share practical, actionable steps you can take to protect your little ones (and furry friends) from electrical hazards.

Why Electrical Safety Is So Important

Curiosity is natural — toddlers love to explore, and pets can chew on anything they find. Unfortunately, that curiosity can put them at risk of electric shock or injury.

• Children: Small fingers can easily fit into plug sockets, and dangling cables can be tempting to pull.

• Pets: Dogs and cats have been known to chew on live wires, and smaller pets can squeeze into areas with exposed sockets or wiring.

• Older Homes: Properties with outdated wiring, cracked sockets, or lack of RCD protection pose a higher risk.

Electrical safety is not just about preventing accidents — it’s about creating peace of mind for the entire family.

Step 1: Childproof Your Outlets

One of the easiest and most effective ways to make your home safer is by protecting your plug sockets.

• Use Socket Covers or Safety Plugs: These inexpensive covers prevent small fingers from being inserted into sockets.

• Upgrade to Tamper-Resistant Outlets: Modern outlets have built-in shutters that only open when both prongs of a plug are inserted — making them much safer.

• Avoid Overloading Sockets: Overloaded outlets can overheat and cause fires. Use power strips with surge protection if you need multiple devices in one area.

Step 2: Secure and Hide Loose Cables

Loose, dangling cables aren’t just untidy — they’re a safety hazard.

• Cable Tidies & Clips: Bundle cables neatly and secure them against the wall.

• Cord Covers: Use plastic or rubber cord covers to keep wires out of reach, especially near the floor.

• Furniture Positioning: Place furniture strategically to block access to plugs and wires where possible.

This step is especially important for households with puppies, kittens, or rabbits that like to chew.

Step 3: Install RCD Protection

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are designed to protect you from electric shock by shutting off the circuit within milliseconds of detecting a fault.

• Check Your Consumer Unit: If your home doesn’t have RCDs, consider upgrading your consumer unit to a modern, 18th Edition-compliant model.

• Plug-In RCDs: For extra protection, use plug-in RCD adapters for appliances like hair dryers, lawnmowers, or outdoor tools.

• Regular Testing: Press the “test” button every 3 months to ensure your RCD is functioning properly.

Step 4: Keep Appliances & Cords Out of Reach

Children and pets are naturally curious about gadgets — and can easily hurt themselves by pulling or chewing on them.

• Unplug Appliances When Not in Use: Especially kettles, toasters, and irons.

• Store Chargers Safely: Phone and laptop chargers should not be left dangling where pets can chew them.

• Use Socket Heights Wisely: Consider installing higher sockets in play areas or pet zones.

Step 5: Consider Smart Safety Solutions

Modern technology offers convenient ways to make your home safer.

• Smart Plugs: Allow you to turn off appliances remotely if you forget.

• Motion Sensors: Can trigger night lights to prevent trips and falls.

• Childproof Switches: Stop children from accidentally turning on dangerous appliances.

Regular Electrical Safety Checks

Even with all these precautions, it’s vital to have your home wiring checked periodically.

• EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report): Recommended every 10 years for owner-occupied homes (or every 5 years if you rent).

• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): Especially useful if you have older appliances that may have worn cords.

Why Work With Bluerock Electrical

As NICEIC Approved Contractors, Bluerock Electrical can:

• Carry out full home safety inspections.

• Upgrade consumer units to include RCD protection.

• Install childproof outlets and tidy up dangerous wiring.

• Give you peace of mind that your home is safe for every member of the family — including the four-legged ones.

Final Thoughts

Your home should be a place where your children and pets can play safely — without hidden hazards waiting to cause harm.
With a few simple upgrades and regular checks, you can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents and enjoy peace of mind.

📞 Want to make your home safer?

Get in touch with Bluerock Electrical today to book a safety inspection or installation. Together, we’ll make your home a secure, family-friendly space.