Electrical Safety Advice for New Parents

Advice for new parents

Preparing for the arrival of a first child can be a stressful time for parents, and young children can be exposed to many electrical hazards in the home.

It's vitally important for parents to keep babies and young children safe from harm when it comes to electricity by taking a few simple precautions.

One of the best ways to protect you and your family from a fatal electric shock – and reduce the risk of fire – is to have RCD protection, either in the consumer unit (fusebox) or as a plug-in.

Do I need socket covers?

Socket covers (also known as blanking plugs) are popular items for new parents to use around the house. However, regular UK sockets are already generally safe, as they have built-in safety shutters to prevent access to the live parts inside.

We understand that using socket covers may give additional peace of mind. It’s your choice. But, if your home’s electrical installation is faulty, socket covers will not prevent electric shocks.

Safety tips for electrical appliances

Keep appliance cables out of the reach of children, especially those connected to hot items, such as kettles, irons, hair straighteners or hairdryers.

Avoid leaving an unconnected charging cable plugged in and switched on (such as a mobile phone charger). Young children may put the end of the cable in their mouths.

Appliances should be switched off when not in use and try to avoid using larger items, such as washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers running during the night or when you are out.

Keep liquids and electricity well apart

Water and electricity can be deadly so, after a bath or shower, make sure children are dried off thoroughly before they go anywhere near anything electrical, such as games consoles or TVs.

Always keep drinks well away from any electrical products.

Be vigilant in the garden

There are many electrical hazards in the garden to be aware of when young children are nearby.

If you are working with electrical equipment in the garden, always use an outdoor waterproof electric socket protected by an RCD.
Cordless power tools are also a safer option.
Lawn mowers, hedge cutters and all electrical tools must be kept well away from young children and be stored safely out of reach.
Tools can cut through their own electric cables when in use, causing a risk of electric shock.

Button batteries are extremely dangerous

These batteries look like a coin and can badly hurt or even kill a small child if they are swallowed by causing severe or potentially fatal internal chemical burns.

Follow our tips to keep your children safe.

Know which toys, lights, and remote controls use button batteries in your home.
Check for loose backs on items with button batteries that may fall out.
Store button batteries well out of reach of children in a safe place.
Even used batteries that have run out of charge remain a risk so keep them away from children and dispose of them safely.
If you think your child may have swallowed a button battery, go to A&E immediately to get them checked or call an ambulance.

For more information and safety advice, visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) website.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

Answers to commonly-asked questions we receive about electrical safety.

View all our FAQs

How many smoke alarms and heat detectors are needed for 3 floors?

There should be a minimum of one smoke alarm per floor with a heat detector in the kitchen. You should fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start. Make sure they are tested regularly - ideally every week.

I bought an electrical appliance that I think is unsafe, what should I do?

You should contact either Trading Standards or Citizens Advice to register your concern.

If you want to forward us supporting documentation and images relating to the product, we can objectively review its safety. Send it to enquiries@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

Does a 1980s house need rewiring?

It depends on its condition rather than its age, if it has been tested and is in good condition and everything is working effectively there is no requirement to rewire. However, you may wish to consider adding RCDs to enhance the safety of the installation.

A qualified electrician will say if your home needs rewiring and what can be achieved within a specific budget.

You can find an electrician local to you here.

How can I find an electrician in my area?

To find a registered electrician near you, please go to the Find an Electrician section of this website where you will find information specific to your region of the UK.

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

Check your appliances

New parents