Whether you're childproofing your home or interested in improving general safety around the house, you might want to consider outlet safety covers. Electrical outlets are a significant cause of injury at home and can also be a fire hazard if used improperly. Luckily, there are plenty of outlet covers available to decrease the risk.
Electrical outlets are often at the top of the list of potential hazards for both children and pets. They can cause mild to severe electric shock or skin burns if tampered with. Securing your electric outlets will give you greater peace of mind while keeping your home and its occupants safe.
There are three main types of outlet covers: plugs, box outlet covers and sliding outlet covers. Outlet plugs are small, plastic devices you plug into the empty socket as you would any electrical device. This closes the holes and prevents curious fingers or claws from poking into them.
A box style outlet cover allows you to protect the outlet while it's in use. These covers consist of a box or shell that encases the entire outlet while allowing room for cords. These are a more permanent option, as they require attaching to the wall with screws.
Sliding covers have small, shutter-like features you can open or close as needed. When closed, it completely covers the holes, but can be opened to plug something in. This type of cover is very convenient if you plan to plug and unplug things regularly, but they do require more work to install, as they replace the existing outlet covers completely.
When deciding which type of outlet cover is best, consider how frequently you'll be using the outlet in question. For long-term security, a box outlet cover might be the best choice. However, both plug protectors and sliding protectors offer more flexibility. Keep all these options in mind to make the best safety decisions for your home.
Lynn Butterfield is an Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker and is a Certified Real Estate Negotiator. Mr. Butterfield has 41 years of experience in real estate sales and development. His vast experience ranges from luxury sales through commercial sales and leasing. Perhaps more importantly, he focuses his attention on client success, whether he's helping someone buy their first home, or working with a developer seeking assistance to create and position a large project in the marketplace. One recent client said, "Working with Lynn is almost like working with a Real Estate Attorney, because he knows exactly what to look for, so you can be protected!" Another first-time home buyer just said, "I needed someone to hold my hand through this because it's the largest investment we'll ever make! I know he isn't in this just to make a quick buck. He really cares about his clients!"
Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. He would be honored to put his real estate experience to work for you.