Are you aware of the importance of electrical outlet covers sold in stores? The reason is all too clear. Curios children for one. They love to thrust things into openings, and electrical outlets have openings. Pins, scissors, keys and hairpins are just some that they can put into these outlets. Having protective covers on all electrical outlets in the house is just one of the necessary protective action parents can do to keep their children from being harmed.
There are other purposes as well why outlets need to be covered. Harm will come to the people living in the house that has old or worn-out outlets unless covered. In the early 70′s, several raised houses had electrical outlets installed in their floorboards. I can attest to that since our house is one of those and we have two electrical outlets in our lounging area. For the life of me, I cannot understand why they did such a ridiculous thing. If the floor is going to be covered in carpet, why put them in the floor? And I don’t know about you, but I don’t want a hole cut in my new carpet just to accommodate an outlet. So, we covered them with covers before we laid the carpet, rather than leaving the exposed outlet next to something flammable. We were surprised to have found out that there were outlets under the old carpet had we not replaced the latter and the outlets were exposed! Worn out, broken down outlets covered by drapes or curtains also pose the same risk. Oftentimes, outlets break due to the relentless pushing and pulling of plugs.
The U.S. Product Safety Commission estimates that over 3,900 injuries caused by electrical outlets are treated in emergency rooms every year.
Using outlet covers is a great way to start. A different approach to ensure your children’s security and that of yourself is to hire an electrical professional who is capable of doing electrical repair works in the house such as replacing worn out, broken down receptacles. Also check up on those current electrical wirings in the house, if it requires additional improvements and placing a ground fault-circuit interrupters. If a receptacle feels hot, emits sparks or smoke, have loose fitting plugs, or if a lamp fails to light or flicker, have them replaced immediately. And for Pete’s sake, don’t unplug a lamp or appliance by pulling the cord at an angle. This could break the plastic face of the receptacle leaving dangerous parts of the outlet exposed. Also be sure that plugs are completely inserted into the outlet so that no part of the prongs is exposed.
Do not overload the outlet. Several cords of lights on the Christmas tree are often the reason for the overload of outlets.
Consideration must also be given if you have outdoor electrical outlets. They are a great convenience, but also present the same hazards if not properly maintained. If your outlet is placed near the portion of the house where wetness has a big possibility of occurring, have your outlet put on a weatherproof box and even use outlet covers just for that added precaution. Use extension cords for outdoor use, don’t overload the circuit if you are using power tools, and never store any gas cans or gas powered tools near an outlet.
To ensure the safety of your loved ones from electrical accidents, it only requires you to make several easy precautions and your time.
Make sure your own loved ones’ safety by purchasing electrical outlet covers. With Free Shipping Internet, you can find these types of outlet covers and have these sent to you for nothing.