How Do You Childproof Electrical Cords?

Electrical cords are one of the most commonly overlooked hazards in homes with young children. Infants and toddlers chew on cords, wrap them around their necks, and pull on them — bringing hot beverages, heavy appliances, and lamps crashing down. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) in Ontario identifies cord-related electrical injuries in children as preventable with the right combination of physical barriers and household changes.

How Do You Childproof Electrical Cords?

Key Approaches

• Eliminate excess cord length: Use cord shorteners or short replacement cables. Excess cord length creates loops children can grab.
• Route cords through physical channels: Rigid cord covers and raceways mounted along baseboards enclose cords completely. Do not route cords under rugs.
• Use cord management boxes: Ventilated enclosures for power bars prevent child access to outlets.
• Install tamper-resistant receptacles: Required in all new residential construction under the OESC. Outlet cover plugs are a choking hazard and not recommended.
• Add outlets where needed: Eliminating extension cords by adding fixed outlets is the most effective long-term solution.

Contact Us

Want additional outlets installed or tamper-resistant receptacles installed to childproof your home? Our ESA-certified electricians serve the GTA. Call us at 416-838-9006 or visit our contact page.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp