Safe sockets for children: types of plugs, how to choose, make it yourself

Types of plugs for sockets

As the child grows up, he very quickly understands the connection between the outlet and the electrical appliance. Children insert fingers and scissors, screwdrivers and forks, nails and pins into sockets. This display of inquisitiveness becomes the main root cause of electric shock and fires from short circuits.

To protect children from electric shock, plugs are placed on sockets. Previously, they were sealed with strips of adhesive plaster and rubber plugs were inserted into them. Today you can see and buy a variety of protective devices in stores.

Main types of plugs:

• universal plug;
• plug with a special key;
• protective curtains;
• with a rotating mechanism,
• waterproofing plugs;
• protective cases for extension cords.

Safety

Numerous installation options are shown in the photo of sockets in the bathroom. But you should always additionally remember all the electrical safety requirements.

It is imperative to install so-called RCDs - these are residual current devices. They quickly turn off the power if there is a risk of injury to a person. This may be in cases where the housing is leaking, a short circuit occurs, or parts where current flows are touched.

The RCD is installed outside the bathroom. Most often it works in the shield itself. They use a special cable with grounding, which is located far from metal pipes or fittings.

Universal plug for sockets

Protects the child from possible contact with live contacts of sockets. Universal plugs do not require a special key, as they are removed from the socket using a paper clip or bobby pin. The design is made in such a way that a child will not be able to remove the plug with his hands.

What other protection is there for windows against children falling out and uninvited guests getting into the apartment?

Professionals advise using comprehensive child protection for plastic windows, and not limiting yourself to one device, especially since the price is reasonable. If a smart kid opens one lock, the next one will stop him.

As additional protective equipment, we can recommend anti-vandal film coating, grilles and rim locks.

The child can easily remove the comb

Features of choosing window bars to prevent children from falling out

If parents do not want to spoil the PVC profile and change anything in it, they can install a decorative grille. It is mounted on metal brackets on the outside of the window in the slopes. The structure is a rigid frame consisting of separately fixed rods. The surface is treated with special anti-corrosion enamel.

The spacing of the child-proof bars on plastic windows is designed in such a way as to completely prevent small hands or feet from getting stuck between them. Often such designs are chosen by residents of the lower floors - they reliably protect apartments from the penetration of uninvited guests.

The grille is securely attached to the window opening on the outside of the house

Anti-vandal film on windows as an additional protective agent

The film is an additional safety net if the child accidentally breaks the window. The glass will not shatter into fragments and will not harm the child; in addition, parents receive several bonuses:

• theft protection. It is much more difficult to break glass with anti-vandal film; this requires additional effort;
• tinting - the matte surface of the film has a reflective effect and prevents the penetration of sunlight into the room on a hot day.

You can stick the protective film yourself on the inside of the sash, and with careful handling it will last for many years.

Anti-vandal film will protect you from uninvited guests

Overhead locks as a security measure for all window structures

Overhead child locks on double glazed windows perfectly protect the window from being completely opened. Do-it-yourself installation is easy. The operating procedure is as follows.​

If you close the lock, the door will open in ventilation mode. You can watch the installation algorithm in more detail in the video:

Watch this video on YouTube

The advantages of such protection include:

• reliable protection;
• You can ventilate the room without a key.

The only disadvantage is the need to make holes in the frame.

Overhead locks must be installed on each sash

Plug with special key

These are dense plugs made of plastic, silicone or rubber with a narrow hole for a key. With one turn of the key, the plug is secured or, conversely, removed. Such devices will protect the baby from electric shock and protect the fidget from forbidden games with electricity.

Classification

Why do you need plugs for sockets? You can expect anything from children, especially restless and curious ones. They are able to find trouble where, it would seem, nothing threatens them. One of the most dangerous objects is an electrical outlet. To protect the child from electric shock, they resort to the help of the devices we are considering. Products are conventionally divided into three types:

• internal;
• rotary;
• castle

The first type consists of a plastic device that locks the socket by snapping it into place. The second type can be extracted using physical pressure. The third modification opens only after using a special key.

Models with the simplest design are included in the lowest price segment. A plug for an outlet with a more complex device will cost more. The highest cost is for high-strength locking systems.

The electrical goods market offers not only plugs for childproof sockets. There are also these types:

1. Waterproofing. They are distinguished by increased density. Made from plastic. Equipped with additional protection made of rubber or silicone. After their installation, the flow of moist air to the internal parts of the outlet is completely blocked.
2. Decorative plugs for sockets. It is better to hide the keys from children who show curiosity about these bright and beautiful details. Otherwise, attempts to open products with their help will not take long. The function of such models is to make the interior of the room more attractive. The samples are distinguished by unusual colors and shapes. Allows you to disguise the outlet.
3. Plugs intended for socket boxes. They are designated as a variation of the previous type of product. If you still have open entrances in your wall after renovation, use these models to close them.

Sockets with protective curtains

Inside the socket with enclosing curtains, a spring is installed on each hole. When connecting an electrical appliance to a socket, the two metal pins of the plug simultaneously press on both plastic curtains of the socket. The curtains are pulled back, the pins of the plug are connected to the contacts of the socket, and the electrical appliance is connected to the electrical circuit.

Both curtains can only be pulled back at the same time. If you try to press only one protective plastic curtain, for example, with a screwdriver, pencil or metal knitting needle, the curtains do not move back and the socket contacts remain closed.

Today you can find different models on sale:

• opening when pressed;
• rotary - up and down, or sideways;
• invoices;
• structures built into the block.

The only negative is the high price.

Bathroom zoning and electrical safety requirements

Electrical power is necessary in the bathroom to ensure the operation of a number of useful household appliances:

• automatic washing machine;
• electric shavers;
• hairdryer;
• heated towel rail;
• fan;
• hydromassage in the bath or shower, etc.

You cannot choose a place for an outlet in the bathroom arbitrarily, guided only by your own comfort. Safety requirements must be taken into account:

• The horizontal distance from the outlet to the water source should be more than 60 cm.
• The same vertical distance should be even greater - at least one meter.
• Only hidden wiring should be used; the cable is laid in the thickness of the wall or in a special protective box.
• The socket, which is intended for installation in the bathroom, must have such elements as a protective cover, an additional grounding terminal and a rubber seal.
• Each outlet must be grounded.
• The connection points between the cable and the socket must be carefully insulated.

For safe installation of the socket, the bathroom is divided into four main zones:

• The zero zone is not intended for installing power points, since this is the space that directly surrounds the place where water enters (bathtub, shower, washbasin, etc.)
• The first zone is 60 cm from the water source, an area of ​​intense water splashes. You can install a boiler here, but it is better to use other areas for outlets.
• The second zone is a space more than 60 cm away from the water source. Here it is allowed to install sockets with good protection from moisture, as well as elements of ventilation systems, lighting, heated towel rails, etc.
• The third zone is the space that is furthest away from water collection points and is the safest. Here you can install sockets with an average level of protection from moisture, control panels for household appliances, switches, distribution boards, etc.

Sometimes you still have to install sockets in dangerous zones: zero or first. In this case, it is necessary to use a device with the highest possible protection class IPX7. Such a device can operate safely even when completely immersed in water.

This diagram demonstrates bathroom zoning for safe installation of electrical outlets. The second and third zones are the most suitable

Another important condition is the correct connection of sockets in the bathroom to the house or apartment distribution board. To do this, a separate line should be allocated, and a protective device should be installed to shut off in case of an emergency. This separate line should not be used to power other devices.

This separate line should not be used to power other devices.

To do this, a separate line should be allocated, and a protective device should be installed to shut off in case of an emergency. This separate line should not be used to power other appliances.

Plugs for sockets with a rotating mechanism

Modern plugs are more effective and convenient to use; they are presented on the market in a wide range, both in design and price. Installs quickly and easily. Suitable for all standard sockets. In order to gain access to the outlet, you need to turn it with a fork and that’s it. When you pull out the plug, the plug will automatically snap into place.

Installation location

Most often they decide how to connect an outlet in the bathroom with their own hands in cases where they need to install a washing machine in the room. It has its own characteristics.

Mounting it near a shower or washbasin is not the most acceptable solution. A short circuit can always occur. You should always divide the entire room into several squares according to the electrical safety scale.

Zero level – maximum proximity to splash sources. The third level is in the area from 3 meters to the source of moisture, and it is this that is considered the most acceptable.

The Internet is full of diagrams for connecting sockets in the bathroom. The main thing is to make sure that condensation that appears on the walls due to specific conditions of high humidity does not interfere in any way.

The wall that is adjacent to the staircase suffers the most. Moreover, there is more dampness in areas closer to the floor coverings. The height should reach about 1.5 meters if you want to place it on partitions inside.

Protective cases for extension cords

Extension cords can be dangerous for children. In stores you can buy special pencil cases that block access to the extension cord. Pencil cases are sold with a length adjustment mechanism. Which is very convenient to use. Protective cases have connectors for plugs. It is better to choose products with an opaque lid. This will reduce the child's interest in extension cords.

Quality is the main criterion!

Choose products made from high quality plastic. Only they provide reliability. What else should you pay attention to?

1. Take a closer look at the sealing inserts. They must hold firmly. The characteristics of the seals play an important role in this case.
2. The fastening elements must match the size of the outlet input. This way, you will eliminate the situation when the purchased product does not fit the existing equipment.
3. A criterion that is not least important is the type of electrical outlet. Let's say that you are unlikely to be able to use the telephone input plug described in this article. The same can be said regarding radio points and other similar objects.