3 Ways to Upgrade the Power Outlets in Your Child's Room
When was the last time you replaced the power outlets in your child's room? If their worn outlets are due an upgrade, consider forgoing the traditional, standard power sockets in exchange for a modern, upgraded option? Nowadays, there are numerous types of power outlets on the market that could make your child's life safer and more convenient. Before you call in an electrician to fit new outlets, take a look at these 3 upgrade options.
Tamper-Resistant Outlets
If your child is still young, tamper-resistant outlets are one of the best upgrades you can make. Traditionally, many families have used socket covers to keep their children from getting electrocuted. However, recent practice has shown that these covers can actually put your child at greater risk. They're easy for small fingers to pull out, and if your child puts the cover back on the wrong way around, they could expose the live electrical contacts that can harm them. It's better to prevent the problem at the source by opting for tamper-resistant outlets. While these outlets aren't 100 percent tamper-proof, they drastically reduce your child's risk of electrocution by making it impossible to stick foreign objects (like hair clips or paper clips) into the sockets.
USB Outlets
If your child is slightly older, they likely have most of the modern devices that today's youth own—smartphones, tablets, handheld consoles and so on. These devices are usually charged via a USB cable; to charge them using mains electricity, you need an adaptor. Adaptors can be bulky, taking up needed electrical sockets, and when cheaply made, they can also be dangerous. Thankfully, you can avoid the problem of adaptors altogether by upgrading to USB outlets for your child's bedroom. These outlets feature USB sockets alongside the standard plug sockets, allowing your child to plug their depleted devices straight into the wall while still leaving room to plug in traditional electronics.
Night Light Outlets
Whether your child prefers to sleep with a light on or they often have to get up at night to use the bathroom, night light outlets can be a big help. These outlet covers have built-in LEDs that provide a low-cost, easy-to-use light source. Depending on your child's needs, they can be operated with a switch or they can turn out automatically when motion is detected. You may also want to install these covers on the outlets in your hallway to make it easier and safer for your child to navigate to the bathroom at night.