If you have several TVs around your house, chances are you already have more than one coaxial outlet to connect your TV sets. While none of these outlets contain enough power to give your baby an electric shock, they are still can be damaging enough, especially if the baby trips over the cord and bumps into the protruding outlet.
In this article, we will give you some tips on how to cover up and babyproof these coaxial outlets available around your house.
The easiest way to babyproof the coaxial outlet
If you have TV outlets that are not in use anymore, you can try some furniture shifting around the room. If your room plan allows you to move the sofa or a sturdy bookshelf covering the coaxial outlet, then your problem is solved. Don’t attempt to cover it with a lightweight piece of furniture since it can trip over your little explorer unless it is firmly attached to the wall.
Babyproofing coaxial outlets in a practical way
Babies and toddlers want to explore the world with all their senses, which is why your own home should be secured from this point at the latest. In addition to sharp edges and cables lying around, sockets and coaxial outlets, in particular, are a great danger for children, who find the small holes particularly exciting.
For this problem, there are child safety sockets, which are either already integrated into sockets or can be attached later. Let’s take a look at what types of child safety sockets there are, which of them should not be used these days, and where you can buy a child safety socket.
Tip: It is also practical to cover all sockets that are not used every day, such as those with lamp or computer plugs. You can push a couch, cupboard, or something else in front of it so that babies cannot reach it.
Why are child safety sockets so important?
When babies start crawling and pulling themselves up, they suddenly see many objects at eye level. Sockets with tiny holes invite not only babies but also older children to insert their fingers or other pointed objects (pens, etc.)
Even though the coaxial outlet doesn’t give your baby an electric shock, the baby might learn by example that all holes in walls are equally benign and may wish to explore more dangerous mains electric outlets.
The slightest touch of the openings can cause an electric shock, which can lead to serious injuries such as cardiac arrest. For this reason, it is essential to secure all sockets in places where children are (at home, kindergarten, school) with babyproof coverings.
Permanent removable plastic protection for coaxial outlets
This fuse is permanent protection for sockets that are rarely used or not used at all. A plug-like plastic object is plugged into the socket, which is locked with a kind of key. Again, you can only remove the child lock with that key. Since this is a bit cumbersome, it is perfectly suitable for sockets that you no longer use.
Socket with integrated protection
This variant is considered to be the safest method of childproofing your home. However, you have to convert your existing sockets, i.e. replace them, which only a specialist can do. The protection is located behind the socket housing, with two plastic plates closing the contacts of the socket.
In order to open this locking mechanism, pressure must be exerted on both contacts at the same time, which is the case with a device plug. This type of babyproofing is best for sockets that you use regularly.
Hinged covers for external attachment
A babyproofing socket cover, which is attached to the housing of the socket, is a quick but not quite as secure method of securing a socket. The protective flap is made of plastic and can be locked, depending on the model. Since children can quickly learn how to open the flap, it should only be attached to sockets that are not used very often and can actually be locked.
Make coaxial outlets baby-proof – what other protective measures are there?
Regardless of whether it is a socket cover, sockets with an integrated child safety device, or permanent protection, in addition to securing sockets, you should also take other protective measures for the greatest possible safety in the household.
Nowadays, not only protection alone is important, but also the design of child safety sockets. After all, you want to feel comfortable in your own home. In addition, babyproofing socket protection that is selected to match the coaxial outlet and wall color can provide more security, as the socket can be less conspicuous for babies and children.
Last but not least, it makes sense to buy extension cords with main and individual switches, so that the outlet paths that are currently not in use or the entire outlet can be switched off.
Conclusion
Although coaxial outlets are safer than the rest of the electrical outlets, if you have young children in your home, you should babyproof all kinds of outlets. You can of course do this before your child is born. But there will certainly still be enough time for this in the weeks that follow because a baby safety lock can be attached really quickly. Even if you are expecting visitors with small children for a longer period of time, it may be advisable to attach child safety devices to your wall sockets.
FAQ
Where can you buy child safety sockets cheaply?
If you have decided on a manufacturer, e.g. from a child safety test, you will certainly ask yourself where you can best buy a child safety device at a reasonable price. Outside of the internet, there are baby safety devices available in electronics stores, toy stores, drugstores, or well-stocked supermarkets.
Why are coaxial outlets such a risk for children?
The answer is simple. Children tend to reach out for things they are not familiar with. There are therefore two main sources of danger with the sockets. They can reach into the socket with their little fingers. Another reason is that they can put thin objects into the socket and hurt themselves.