Child-Proof Outlet Installation in Medfield, MA
You may be new to parenting or have several years of experience under your belt. Either way, it is never a bad time to make some safety upgrades. As you plan your home improvement, Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting, Inc. is here to help.
A lot of parents worry about maintaining a safe home environment, and for a good reason. Reports show that more than ⅓ of child injuries and death occur at home. If you are looking for a place to start, give your electrical system a once-over. Child-proof outlet installation can greatly reduce the risk of injury for the kids in your home.
Improving the safety of your living situation is not always easy. So choose Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting, Inc. as an experienced and helpful resource. We have more than three decades of experience in Medfield, MA. When you’re searching for “an electrician near me,” Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting, Inc. is the reliable choice.
Understanding the Dangers of Standard Outlets
Every year, there are 2,400 kids injured by electrical outlets. That is according to Electrical Safety Foundational International. Traditional outlets are generally safe for teenagers and adults. But they pose a unique hazard for children.
Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting, Inc. understands that these fixtures are inconveniently placed. For most crawling babies and toddlers, outlets are at exactly eye level. We also know that they are scattered throughout every room of the home. This proliferation makes it impossible for parents to keep an eye on every outlet.
When a child gains access to an unprotected outlet, the risk is practically unavoidable. Curious children like to stick keys, hairpins, tools, and more into open outlets. Because children are clever and quick, injuries may even happen in the presence of adults. Electrical shocks or burns are the unfortunate results.
Get Familiar with Our 5-Part Electrical Safety Services
At Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting, Inc., we are well aware of the inherent dangers of electricity. It is always our goal to maintain and improve the safety of the homes we work on. If you have young children, you may wonder how our team can assist in your safety efforts.
Throughout our 30 years of business, we have become experts on electrical safety. To better protect the homes of families, we offer these five electrical safety services.
1. Installing Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
Plastic outlet covers work for some families. But if your child is persistent, this safeguard may not work—at least, not for long.
We strongly recommend tamper-resistant receptacles for all families. These fixtures replace standard outlets and protect children from hurting themselves.
These outlets use a spring-loaded system that shutters the slots when a plug is removed. The shutters will only open when both springs are compressed simultaneously (or when objects are inserted into both slots simultaneously.)
This modern upgrade is so effective that it is becoming a frequent addition to building codes. If you have any questions, Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting, Inc. is well-versed in tamper-resistant receptacles and ready to install them for you today.
2. Ensuring Outlets Fit Tightly
Loose outlets are dangerous for children and adults. Every receptacle should sit flush against the wall. If you feel the outlet shift when you plug in or unplug a device, you know you have a problem.
Also known as “floating outlets,” loose outlets are a fire risk. Fortunately, we can fix them in a few ways. Call Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting, Inc., and we will check your home receptacles. From there, we will determine whether electrical spacers or a new electrical outlet installation is needed.
If the outlet is pushed too far into the wall, that is also a problem. This setup can cause the wiring to fray or become loose, resulting in a house fire. Again, replacements or electrical spacers can fix the issue. Give us a call if you have any concerns.
3. Updating Worn Faceplates
Over time, outlet faceplates can become worn, cracked, or loose. This condition is both unsightly and dangerous. Cracks and gaps allow dust into the receptacle and increase the risk of fire. You also know you have a problem when the faceplate is charred, painted over, or hot to the touch.
Fortunately, replacing old faceplates is an easy task for our team. If you need an upgrade, just give us a call to get the project taken care of quickly. Make sure you ask about our tamper-resistant receptacles when you call.
4. Responding to Emergencies
One of the best things an electrician in Medfield, MA, can do is be available. Electrical emergencies aren’t convenient, and they do not always give you notice. If you find yourself in an emergency, give us a call. We will do what we can to get an electrician on-site as soon as possible.
5. Updating Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Systems
Modern homes run on two major utilities: power and water. Historically, those two systems have not always played nicely together. That is until ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) systems entered the scene.
In 1971, GFCI systems were introduced as a solution for underground lighting in pools. The idea of underwater lighting was a challenge due to the risk of electricity discharging into the water. But GFCIs were designed to cut-off power at the slightest detection of a short circuit.
Today, this technology is used in many ways. For families with children, it is a means of further fortifying home electrical outlets. If a child tries to tamper with a GFCI outlet, the power flowing to that outlet is quickly shut off.
If you are ready to add child-proof outlets to your home, give Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting, Inc. a call. We are happy to provide GFCI installation or any other service.
Take Advantage Of Additional Benefits
You may be interested to know that child-proof outlets offer more than the obvious benefits. In addition to protecting young children, these outlets also achieve the following goals:
- Protecting pets from exposed outlets
- Building safe habits for every member of the household
- Increasing awareness of the number of outlets and appliances in use
As you can see, child-proof outlets are an essential tool for busy parents and homeowners.
Allow Our Team To Perform An Electrical Home Safety Inspection
Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting, Inc. is a full-service contractor. Our goal is not just to illuminate our clients’ homes but to do so in a safe way. This commitment sometimes requires an extra touch before we sign off on a project.
As a final precaution, our team would like to perform an electrical home safety inspection. We can do this before or following the installation of child-proof outlets.
For Medfield, MA, homeowners, we like to perform the following checklist as a means to ensure safety:
- Verify that all outlets and switches are in good condition
- Ensure that homes have lightbulbs of the proper wattage
- Perform a comprehensive check of the home’s safety lighting
- Ensure that the surge-protector is in good condition
- Perform a complete inspection of the electrical panel
- Examine any outdoor electrical fixtures
- Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
No detail will be left untouched. When we are done, we will provide you with a list of the needed upgrades and services. We always seek to leave homes safer and more functional than.
Get In Touch Today to Discuss Electrical Safety
Child-proof outlets are affordable and easy to install. If you are ready to make this simple upgrade, get in touch with our Medfield, MA, team. We will not stop working until you are 100% satisfied with the service. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today.