What is the best way to childproof electrical outlets in New Brunswick?

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New Brunswick Electrical · Accepted Answer

Childproofing Electrical Outlets in Your New Brunswick Home

Electrical outlets are one of the most accessible hazards for young children. Small fingers fit perfectly into outlet slots, and the curiosity of toddlers makes unprotected outlets a real danger. Here's what works, what doesn't, and what the code requires.

Tamper-Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) — The Best Solution

Tamper-resistant receptacles look like regular outlets but have built-in spring-loaded shutters behind the slot openings. Both shutters must be pushed simultaneously (as when inserting a plug) to open — a child pushing a single object into one slot can't bypass the shutters.

The CEC now requires tamper-resistant receptacles in all new construction and renovations where receptacles are being installed or replaced. This applies to all 125V, 15A and 20A receptacles in dwelling units.

TRRs are the gold standard because:
- They're built into the outlet — nothing to forget, lose, or remove
- They work permanently with no maintenance
- They don't interfere with normal plug insertion
- They're tested to withstand children's attempts to defeat them
- They cost only $1–$3 more than standard receptacles

Outlet Covers and Caps — A Temporary Measure

Plastic plug caps ($3–$8 for a pack of 20) are the most common childproofing method, but they have significant limitations:

- Children as young as 2 can learn to remove them
- They're a choking hazard once removed
- Parents forget to replace them after unplugging devices
- They wear out and fit loosely after repeated use

Sliding outlet covers ($3–$8 each) replace the standard cover plate with one that has spring-loaded panels that slide over the slots when a plug is removed. Better than caps because they can't be removed by a child or lost, but the sliding mechanism can fail over time.

Box covers ($5–$15 each) enclose the entire outlet and any plugged-in cord behind a plastic housing. Good for cords that stay plugged in (lamps, phone chargers) but bulky and not practical for frequently used outlets.

What the Canadian Electrical Code Requires

For new construction and renovations in New Brunswick:

- All 125V receptacles in dwelling units must be tamper-resistant (CEC Rule 26-720(f))
- This includes bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and any other habitable space
- Exceptions: receptacles more than 1.5m above the floor, receptacles behind heavy appliances (stove, refrigerator), and some dedicated-purpose receptacles

Existing homes are not required to retrofit, but replacing outlets during any electrical work triggers the current code requirement for that outlet.

DIY Replacement

Replacing a standard outlet with a tamper-resistant model is one of the simplest electrical tasks a homeowner can do:

1. Turn off the breaker for the circuit
2. Verify power is off with a non-contact voltage tester ($15–$25 at any hardware store)
3. Remove the cover plate and unscrew the outlet from the box
4. Note which wires connect where — take a photo
5. Connect wires to the new TRR in the same configuration
6. Screw the outlet into the box and replace the cover plate
7. Restore power and test

Cost: $2–$4 per outlet for the TRR, available at any Home Depot, Kent, or Home Hardware in New Brunswick. A whole-house replacement of 20–30 outlets costs $40–$120 in materials and a few hours of time.

If you're not comfortable working with electrical, a licensed electrician will typically charge $80–$150 per service call plus $10–$20 per outlet for the swap — or $250–$500 for a whole-house TRR upgrade.

Additional Childproofing Measures

Power strips and extension cords: Use power strip covers ($8–$15) to prevent children from pulling out plugs or pressing switches. Better yet, minimize power strip use in areas accessible to children.

Cord management: Dangling cords from lamps, chargers, and appliances are pulling hazards. Use cord clips, cord covers, or route cords behind furniture.

GFCI protection: Ensure all outlets accessible to children in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas have GFCI protection. A GFCI trips before a shock can cause serious injury.

Outlet height: In new construction or renovations, consider placing outlets at 18 inches (standard) or higher in playrooms and children's bedrooms. The higher placement puts outlets farther from a crawling baby's reach without being inconvenient for adults.

Priority Areas

Focus childproofing on outlets that are:
1. At child height (standard 12–18 inch mounting)
2. In rooms where children spend unsupervised time
3. Visually accessible (not behind furniture)
4. Near water sources (bathroom, kitchen — should already have GFCI)
5. Outdoors — deck, patio, garage

For NB families, replacing all accessible outlets with tamper-resistant receptacles is the most effective and permanent solution — and at $2–$4 each, it's one of the cheapest safety upgrades you can make.

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