Consumer Press Releases
Socket covers
30th June 2009
The Electrical Safety Council notes a current lack of evidence to support arguments that socket covers should be banned because of the possibility that they may be used inappropriately.
As an independent charity, we regularly investigate significant electrical risks to consumers. We will take rapid action on socket covers if we are presented with evidence that they are potentially? dangerous. At the moment, we believe resources are best directed towards educating children, and those responsible for their care, to help keep them safe around electricity.
We would, however, advise any concerned parents not to buy decorated socket covers that may appeal to children.
Parents should be reassured that socket-outlets in the UK already have an in-built safety shutter mechanism designed to prevent access to live parts and that, in this respect, they are widely considered to be the safest design currently installed in Europe.
Our full technical policy on the use of socket covers can be viewed here
