Dad's Easy Tutorial on Installing Child-Safe Outlets Could Save a Life

If you have kids, then you know just how often they can get into everything, including all the things you do not want them to be messing with. Such as electrical outlets. Luckily, TikTok creator and father Nik had a similar experience when his own kid found playing with an outlet and decided to share an easy tutorial on how we can install child-safe outlets that make things at least a (little) less worrisome.

Let's start by understanding the danger of electrical outlets for children. Kids are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. Unfortunately, this curiosity can lead them to poke their tiny fingers or objects into electrical outlets, which can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Electrical shock is no joke, and as parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that our homes are as safe as possible for our little adventurers.

How Do Child-Safe Electrical Outlets Work?

Tamper-resistant outlets, also known as TRRs, are designed with built-in safety features that prevent the insertion of foreign objects. They have spring-loaded shutters that cover the electrical contacts. When equal pressure is applied to both sides simultaneously, like when plugging in a legitimate device, the shutters open. However, if a child tries to stick something into one side of the outlet, the shutters remain closed, blocking access to the electrical contacts.

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First, turn off the power to the space where you'll be working. It's crucial to check that the power is off using a voltage tester. No sense in shocking yourself while trying to make everyone else safe! Once you've confirmed the power is off, it's time to gather your supplies.

Next, get yourself some tamper-resistant outlets. Nik shares that you can get a twenty-pack on Amazon for a little over thirty bucks, but you may be able to find smaller packs at your local store. These outlets are a small investment for a significant peace of mind.

Now, it's time to get to work. Start by removing the faceplate from your current outlet. Unscrew it and pull it out gently. You should see black and white wires connected to the outlet. The black wires connect to the gold screws, while the white wires connect to the silver screws. There should also be a green screw connected to the ground wire.

Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully remove the old screws and push the wires out of the way in the direction they were originally situated. If the black wire was on top, push it upwards, and so on. Insert the new tamper-resistant outlet and replace the wires, screwing them into the correct places. Make sure everything is nice and tight to make sure you've got a secure connection.

Once you've secured the new outlet, place it back into the wall and screw it back into place. Finally, replace the faceplate , and voila! You've just installed a child-safe outlet in a matter of minutes.

And there you have it. About two minutes or so, and you have a much safer house. Sounds more than worth it, doesn't it? With this simple tutorial, you can protect your little ones from potential electrical hazards and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is at least a little bit safer.

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