Babyproofing PSA:

[conuly]

Let's talk about outlet covers.

In the US, they're a bit of a hassle. Everybody seems to have a story about their kid taking one off and giving it to them, and a lot of people observe that sockets didn't become interesting to their kid until the covers were put in, at which point they became a FUN NEW TOY. So, you know, get them or don't, but you'll still have to watch your kid. (That's true of a lot of things.)

Apparently the situation in the UK is worse. Well, technically, it's better - your outlets are plenty safe as it is and you don't need to buy a single thing! However, many people buy covers anyway. Normally I'd just cite "a fool and his money" or "one born every minute" and be done with it, but apparently putting a cover in one of your super-safe sockets actually makes them less safe.

So don't do it. And tell all your friends!

Now - can we get those sort of outlets for the US?

Comments

[jillianfish.livejournal.com]

Just fyi- the electric code in the UK is different than the one here in the states. Outlets like that are not required to be put in, and actually they're rather hard to find here. They have to be specially ordered by supply houses. You will be glad to know that when they published the new 2008 NEC code it specifies that those safety outlets must be used (I don't know if they're the exact same one but my boss said they're the ones that "keep kids from sticking forks into them" lol). However, just because the code is published doesn't mean that all contractors everywhere have to use it. States adopt the code independently. Here in Florida we have just gotten around to adopting it. I believe it goes into effect in Sept. I don't know about NY.

[queenlyzard.livejournal.com]

why doesn't anyone just put outlets up where the light-switches are instead of at toddler-height?