Safety experts have warned a common household item there to protect you is actaully a danger. They have issued a stark warning to parents, urging them to stop using plug protectors immediately.
In a video shared on the WhichUK Instagram account, the British consumer champion group explained that while these devices may seem useful, they can actually heighten the risk of electrical shock and fire.
Plug protectors are commonly used by thousands of mums and dads in an attempt to keep their children safe. However, according to the organisation, they could potentially do more harm than good by interfering with existing safety measures.
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The expert in the video advised parents to: “Chuck these all away as soon as you can – they are dangerous! ”
This sentiment has been echoed by numerous official UK bodies including the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care, Barnardo’s and the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association. “A lot of parents buy these socket guards thinking they’ll protect their kids from electric shocks,’ Which? continued.”
But experts say they will actually increase the risk to your child. The video posted on the WhichUK Instagram account reiterated that plug protectors, thought to offer added safety, are in fact increasing the risk of electrical shock and fire.
This is due to the fact that British plug sockets already provide a sufficient level of protection, including specifically designed plastic shutters that act as a barrier to harm. “One thing Brits can rightfully be proud of is the Great British 13 amp socket,” the expert concluded.
The clip continued, “It’s a triumph of safety by design for many reasons – but the most important for your child are these plastic shutters. When a socket is empty, these doors close shut, providing a barrier between 230 Volts of electricity and baby fingers. The only things that opens them is the earth pin.”
He demonstrated how children could put themselves in danger, showing how a seemingly harmless plug protector can be used to open the shutters, which have been designed to be kept shut. “Inserted upside down, opens the shutters/ Snapped in half, opens the shutters,’ he explained.”
Even putting these in correctly can undo all of the safety features that are inherent in the plug itself.