Annapolis, Maryland, is a wonderful place to raise a family. With its scenic waterfronts, historic neighborhoods like Murray Hill, Eastport, and the Colonial Annapolis Historic District, it offers charm and community at every corner. However, whether your home is a modern build or a colonial-era gem, one thing remains constant: your home must be safe for your children—especially when it comes to electrical systems. Electrical hazards are one of the leading causes of injuries among toddlers and young children. As licensed electricians serving Annapolis families for decades, JM Mullen Electric, a residential electrician in Annapolis offers a professional perspective on how to effectively childproof your home from an electricians perspective.
8 Helpful Tips On How To Childproof Your Home From An Electrician’s Perspective
1. Install Tamper-Resistant Receptacles (TRRs)
One of the most critical upgrades you can make is installing Tamper-Resistant Receptacles (TRRs). Unlike standard outlets, TRRs have spring-loaded shutters that only open when equal pressure is applied simultaneously to both prongs—meaning a child poking a toy, paperclip, or other object into the outlet won’t be able to make contact with live electrical parts. Since 2008, TRRs have been required by the National Electrical Code for new residential construction. However, many historic homes in Annapolis still have older, unprotected outlets. Upgrading to TRRs offers a simple yet effective way to childproof your home without using unattractive plastic outlet covers that can get lost or removed.
2. Use High-Quality Outlet Covers and Plates
In addition to TRRs, installing durable outlet covers can add an extra layer of safety. Look for sliding plate covers that automatically conceal the outlet when not in use. These are perfect for outlets that aren’t in frequent use, such as those behind furniture. For families living in older Annapolis homes with vintage-style outlet plates, it’s important to choose safety devices that complement the historic character of your home without detracting from its style.
3. Secure and Manage Power Strips and Extension Cords
Power strips are a necessary evil in modern households—but they can be dangerous if left within a child’s reach. Toddlers often find cords irresistible for pulling, chewing, or tripping over.
Some steps to childproof power strips and cords include:
- Using cord shorteners or covers to bundle and conceal cords.
- Mounting power strips on walls or the backs of furniture to keep them off the ground.
- Choosing surge-protected power strips to prevent overloading and potential fire hazards.
In Annapolis’s historic homes, where electrical outlets may be scarce, proper cord management is even more critical to maintaining both safety and aesthetic appeal.
4. Anchor Heavy Furniture and Appliances
It may not seem like an electrical hazard at first glance, but unanchored heavy furniture can fall if a child tries to climb it to reach cords, outlets, or devices placed higher up. Large TVs, bookcases, and dressers should always be secured to the wall with proper safety straps. Additionally, floor lamps and speakers with visible cords should either be anchored or strategically placed out of the way to prevent accidents.
5. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCI outlets are designed to protect against electrocution by shutting off power if they detect a ground fault. They are required in areas where water and electricity are close, including:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Garages
- Outdoor spaces
Historic Annapolis homes often lack GFCI protection because of their age. Installing GFCIs throughout your home will bring it up to current safety codes and greatly reduce the risk of electrical accidents, especially for children who love playing with water.
6. Check and Replace Damaged or Outdated Wiring
Old wiring is not only inefficient but also a hidden danger. Worn insulation, exposed wires, and overloaded circuits are common in Annapolis’s older homes. Regularly schedule inspections, and if your home hasn’t had an electrical upgrade in decades, it may be time for rewiring to ensure your home meets modern safety standards. A modern, robust wiring system can also support the installation of smart safety technologies, offering better protection for your family.
7. Consider Smart Home Devices for Added Safety
Smart home technologies provide convenient and effective ways to improve childproofing:
- Smart outlets that can be controlled remotely to cut power when not needed
- Smart lighting to ensure hallways and staircases are always lit
- Smart sensors that alert you if a child opens a forbidden door or enters an unsafe area
Many Annapolis homeowners are incorporating these subtle technologies into historic homes, ensuring both preservation and safety.
8. Educate and Supervise
Despite all these measures, supervision remains key. Teaching your children early about the dangers of electricity is crucial. Explain that cords are not toys and outlets are not places to explore. As children grow, ongoing education and awareness are the best defenses against accidents.
Special Considerations for Historic Homes in Annapolis
Historic homes require specialized care when it comes to electrical childproofing:
- Outlets may be located lower on walls and more accessible to children.
- Older homes might lack sufficient grounding.
- Original materials like plaster or solid wood require delicate work during upgrades.
At JM Mullen Electric, we understand how to modernize Annapolis’s historic homes while maintaining their original charm. We plan carefully, making sure our upgrades meet both safety codes and historic preservation standards.
Contact JM Mullen Electric Today for a Residential Electrician in Annapolis, MD
When it comes to protecting your children, cutting corners is never an option—especially in a city as rich with history and unique homes as Annapolis. Whether you’re living in a colonial-era gem or a modern building, JM Mullen Electric has the expertise to make your home safer for your family without compromising beauty or functionality. Don’t leave your child’s safety to chance. Contact JM Mullen Electric today to schedule a consultation. Our team is ready to assess your home, recommend the best childproofing upgrades, and give you peace of mind knowing your family is protected. Let JM Mullen Electric help you create a home where safety, history, and modern living come together seamlessly.
