How to Childproof Your Home Electrically: Safety Tips for Melbourne Families

As a parent in Melbourne, keeping your little ones safe is your top priority. While you've probably secured cupboards and covered sharp corners, have you considered the electrical hazards lurking in every room? Young children are naturally curious, and powerpoints, cords, and appliances can pose serious risks. At Melbourne Wiring Services, we help families across Melbourne's Inner North West Suburbs create safer homes through professional electrical solutions. Here's your complete guide to childproof electrical safety Melbourne. Our licensed electricians have carried out hundreds of electrical safety upgrades in Melbourne family homes, particularly in properties built before modern safety standards were introduced.

Understanding Electrical Risks for Young Children

Children under five are particularly vulnerable to electrical accidents. Their small fingers fit easily into powerpoint slots, and they're drawn to dangling cords and glowing devices. According to Australian safety standards, many older homes lack adequate protection against shocks and electrical fires. Many homes across Melbourne’s Inner North West, including Brunswick, Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Pascoe Vale, still operate on outdated electrical infrastructure that increases risk for young children.

The good news? Most electrical hazards can be prevented with simple upgrades and smart safety practices.

TElectrical safety for kids at home

1. Secure Your Powerpoints

Powerpoints are at toddler eye level, making them irresistible to curious hands. Here's how to protect them:

Install Safety Covers:

Sliding plate covers or insert plugs create a physical barrier. These inexpensive devices prevent children from poking objects into unused sockets.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Upgrade to Child-Safe Powerpoints:                                   

Modern powerpoints with built-in safety shutters automatically block access when      plugs aren't inserted. Melbourne Wiring Services can upgrade single powerpoints to   double or quad versions with USB ports and safety features.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Relocate Low Powerpoints:                                                                                                               

If your home has powerpoints within easy reach, consider having them moved higher up the wall, particularly in playrooms and bedrooms.

2. Manage Electrical Cords Safely

Loose cords present both strangulation and shock risks. Take these precautions:

✓ Secure cords behind furniture using cord covers or shorteners

✓ Replace frayed or damaged cords immediately

✓ Unplug appliances when not in use

✓ Keep appliance cords (kettles, toasters, hair dryers) out of reach

✓ Avoid running cords under rugs where they can overheat

3. Upgrade Your Switchboard

Older switchboards with ceramic fuses lack the safety features needed to protect your family. A modern switchboard upgrade provides:

RCD Safety Switches:

These life-saving devices detect electrical faults and cut power in milliseconds, preventing shocks and electrocution.

Circuit Breakers:

Unlike old fuses, modern circuit breakers trip automatically when circuits are overloaded, preventing electrical fires.

Increased Capacity:

Modern switchboards handle today's electrical demands without overheating or tripping constantly.

If your Melbourne home was built before 1990, your switchboard likely needs upgrading. Contact Melbourne Wiring Services for a free safety inspection.

4. Home Electrical Safety Checklist

Living Room

✓ Cover all exposed powerpoints

✓ Mount TVs on walls to prevent tip-overs

✓ Secure entertainment system cords behind cabinets

✓ Use powerboards with child-safe covers

Kitchen

✓ Unplug small appliances after each use

✓ Install appliance locks on ovens and dishwashers

✓ Keep kettle and toaster cords short and tucked away

✓ Use back burners when cooking

Bathroom

✓ Never leave hair dryers or straighteners plugged in

✓ Install GFCI outlets near water sources

✓ Store all electrical devices in locked cabinets

✓ Keep powerpoints away from bathtubs and sinks

Bedrooms

✓ Use battery-operated night lights where possible

✓ Secure charger cords behind furniture

✓ Cover all unused powerpoints

✓ Avoid extension cords that create tripping hazards

Outdoor Areas

✓ Install weatherproof powerpoint covers

✓ Keep outdoor extension cords out of reach

✓ Ensure outdoor circuits have RCD protection

✓ Supervise children near pool equipment and pumps

Never ignore these red flags:

✓ Powerpoints that feel warm or show burn marks

✓ Flickering lights when appliances are running

✓ Frequent circuit breaker trips

✓ Buzzing sounds from switchboards or powerpoints

✓ Burning smells near electrical fixtures

These symptoms indicate serious issues requiring immediate professional attention.

Professional Electrical Safety Services

While basic child safety measures help, a comprehensive electrical safety inspection ensures nothing is overlooked. Melbourne Wiring Services offers:

✓ Powerpoint Safety Testing: We test all powerpoints for proper function and grounding

✓ Switchboard Safety Inspections: Identifying outdated components that compromise safety

✓ RCD Installation: Adding life-saving safety switches to protect every circuit

✓ Compliance Checks: Ensuring your home meets current Australian Standards AS/NZS 3000 and Victorian electrical safety regulations.

Teaching Children Electrical Safety

Alongside physical safeguards, education matters:

✓ Teach children never to touch powerpoints, even with covers

✓ Explain that water and electricity don't mix

✓ Show them how to identify damaged cords

✓ Create a "no climbing" rule for areas near powerlines or electrical equipment

✓ Lead by example with safe electrical habits

Why Choose Melbourne Wiring Services

For over 12 years, Melbourne Wiring Services has helped families create safer homes across Melbourne's Inner North West Suburbs. We're:

✓ Fully licensed and insured with public liability up to $5 million

✓ Available 24/7 for emergency electrical issues

✓ Committed to transparent, upfront pricing

✓ Known for exceptional workmanship and reliability

Our friendly, knowledgeable electricians take the time to assess your specific needs and recommend customised solutions that fit your budget.

Take Action Today

Childproofing your Melbourne home electrically doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start with simple measures like powerpoint covers and cord management, then schedule a professional safety inspection to identify hidden risks.

Don't wait for an accident to happen. Protect your most precious assets with comprehensive electrical childproofing.

📞 1300 746 979

Book Your Free Safety Inspection

Our experienced team will help you create a safer home environment for your family.