The Dangers of UK Safety Socket Covers

[ObiTrev]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, I know you are from the UK, but could you review other international standards, and their flaws?

[alistairstuart2009]

this might sound like a silly question but if they make the plugs more dangerous then what is the point of them?

[JUNAID187]

@alistairstuart2009 People think they're buying a good product because they can see how it could work, and companies see it as a way to make money? That's my guess.

[popct20]

What we have learned is watch your children, and don't let them play around sockets :D I have two little brothers and they have never gone near the sockets because when I watch them, I play with them or I distract them from the outlets. thanks for your demos!

[alistairstuart2009]

@popct20 that is a very good point

[akaase]

Here in the U.S., socket covers are ubiquitous because sockets here have never had internal shutters, until recently. The National Electric Code was ratified in 2008 to require Tamper Resistant (TR) sockets in all new residential construction. These sockets have the similar internal shutters the BS1363 sockets have always had. I'm certain it won't stop people from purchasing socket covers unwittingly. It's amazing it took the U.S. more than 60 years to require sockets as safe as U.K.'s.

[rustypeanuts]

What hasn't been discussed is the fact that these products are stopping younger children from being able to plug appliances in, Its not just about the shock risk, also the risk that they could have plugged in a power drill, a toaster or anything else that could be seen as a hazard for children.

[fatallyflawed1947]

@rustypeanuts Please see the FAQ page on the FatallyFlawed website for a full answer to this. There are no socket covers made to the correct pin dimensions, if you force oversize pins into sockets then the contacts will be damaged, this can lead to overheating and fires when the socket is used to supply power. The only fool-proof way of protecting children is to keep all dangerous appliances out of the reach of children, never rely on flimsy pieces of plastic to do a parent's job!

[dsample]

@fatallyflawed1947 I would add to this note about keeping dangeous appliances out of the reach of children that any undesirable appliances could be protected at the plug rather than the socket, there are various plug locks which encase the pins so the device cannot be used.

[rovertales]

this is the most interesting video I've ever seen in my life!

[robertsulley]

I understand and quite like your campaign, I like how it's not trying to sell me anything, but has this problem been attributed to any deaths?

[fatallyflawed1947]

@robertsulley The UK government ceased to collect relevant statistics in 2003.

[mastergx1]

In addition to what I have already stated - Ive seen both earth and neutral pins broken off in sockets, jamming the gates open and leaving the line exposed. Prolonged use of many covers can actually damage the outlet aswell by bending the contacts out so they will no longer grip the pins properly. This is actually a fire risk as the contact area is reduced resulting in a higher resistance and thus, more heat when current flows. Especially using high-power devices such as kettles.

[ElliMLowi]

Ok, but if a child can remove a socket cover and then stick it in upside down, surely they can also unplug an appliance (e.g. the one plugged in next to an empty socket) and plug it in upside down etc creating the same safety risk. The socket covers I have (can't speak for them all) are pretty difficult to remove so would prefer that to an empty socket they can put a plug in. That said, a child could still remove a plug and then plug it in upside down in the same socket...

[fatallyflawed1947]

@ElliMLowi A valid question, but there are significant differences. Please see the FatallyFlawed website FAQ page for more information.

Also, please do not forget that there are a number of other dangers involved in using socket covers, including the possibility that you will permanently damage your socket - see our downloadable Fact Sheets.

[tburfield]

Might be thought-provoking for any of you with young kids...

[bilbomacuser]

I cannot believe this campaign has been going since at least 2008 and this is the first time I've heard about it. Why aren't these things banned already? The government have failed us - how many children have died so far?

[mastergx1]

Also be careful when you remove compact transformers (phone chargers and similar) from the socket. The earth pin (longest) if often made of plastic and can break off in the terminal creating the "open gate" effect. If this happens, turn off your electric supply (make sure its off!) and remove it with a very thin screwdriver or similar. If you can't get it out DO NOT JUST LEAVE IT. Get an electrican to sort the problem.

[ClackmannanGirl]

This is really bad, please tell all your friends. Why are shops allowed to sell these things? Thank you so much to the makers of this video for making this scandal known.

[monnydite]

I'm so glad I saw this video. I've been so worried about the plugs at my Daughter's house and I've been buying the plug covers thinking it makes the plugs safe for my 11 month old Grandson. How wrong I was.

Going to have to take all the covers off now!!

[TilmanBaumann]

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. Albert Einstein