electrical safety and pets

5 Ways To Keep Your Pets Safe Around Electricity

Have you recently got a new puppy or a kitten? Or are you planning to?
Puppies and kittens will chew on anything that looks inviting and electrical cords are the perfect size to chew on and they also feel good!
So lets talk about making sure you new furry family member does not get zapped as they explore their new home!

One place to start is ensuring that your homes electrical wiring in your home is up-to-date and working correctly. This is especially important if you have an older home, as outdated outlets and wiring can be more dangerous than new ones.
Have you recently had your switchboard checked out?You can get a residential electrician to come and do an audit to see if upgrades are required.
Next, check that any cords or wires in your home are out of reach for curious pets is essential.
This includes things like phone chargers and laptop cords.

Also, it’s crucial to ensure that appliances such as hair straighteners and hairdryers are turned off and put away when not in use.
Your pet may be tempted to investigate these items and get hurt if they come into contact with them while still on.

Securing Appliances And Cords

Securing appliances and cords is as important as covering outlets when keeping your pets safe. To ensure that your pet doesn’t get tangled in cords, here are a few easy steps to follow:

1) Shorten the length of cords by coiling them up neatly and securing them with twist ties or cable clips.

2) Use cord protectors to keep cables hidden from view.

3) If you have large appliances like TVs or refrigerators, ensure they’re anchored securely to the wall so your pet can’t knock them over.

These simple steps will go a long way towards protecting your pet from electrical hazards in the home.
Additionally, tidying up any loose cords and wires regularly will help keep your furry friend from getting their paws into trouble!
Taking these precautions takes only a few minutes but could save your pet’s life – definitely worth it!

Get your switchboard checked out and have RCD’s installed

Installing Residual Current Devices (RCDs), by a qualified electrician is the way to go! RCDs are designed to protect against electrical shock and can help reduce the risk of electrocution in your home. If your puppy or kitten is chewing on a cord ( and they will!) a RCD will prevent them from getting an electric shock if they chew through to a live wire.
With RCDs installed, you can rest assured that your pets will be safe from electrical hazards. It may seem like an extra expense – but upgrading your switchboard benefits everyone in the house – Including your pets! 

It is important to note that RCDs are often a legal requirement in Australia for homes and workplaces and MUST be installed by a qualified electrician in accordance with local regulations.

Pet-Proofing Outlets And Switches

It’s time to move on to pet-proofing outlets and switches. Believe it or not, animals are curious creatures. So it is critical to take the necessary precautions to keep them safe.

First, ensure all electrical outlets and switches are covered with safety caps. These can be bought at any hardware store, and they’re easy to install – just snap them right over the outlet or switch! This will help protect your pets from exposed wires and reduce the risk of accidental shock.

Another great way to pet-proof is by using cord protectors. These are plastic coverings that go around cords and cables, helping them stay in place while also protecting your pets from chewing on them.
It’ll also give your home a more organised look – bonus points! So don’t forget about this essential safety measure when it comes to keeping your pets safe from electrical hazards.

Unplugging Appliances When Not In Use

When not in use, disconnect the appliances. It is one of the most secure ways of protecting your pets from electrical shock. This will not only keep them from being shocked, but it will also help you save money on your electricity bill! Plus, with the right tools and pro help, unplugging can be easy and stress-free.

Get yourself some cord organisers! This nifty tool will make it easier to keep track of which appliance belongs to which cord. They’re also great for keeping cords tidy and tangle-free so that your furry friend won’t be tempted to chew on them.

And lastly, if you want to ensure you don’t forget to unplug something, try using an appliance timer.
It’s a simple device that plugs into the wall and automatically turns off whatever’s plugged into it at a certain time each day.
As a result, you won’t have to worry about leaving something on overnight or while you’re away, and unplugging won’t be as difficult!

By taking these extra precautions, you can ensure that your home remains hazard-free and your pet stays accident-free!

Inspecting Electrical Cords Regularly 

Another great way to protect your pet from potential dangers is to inspect your electrical cords regularly. While it’s easy to overlook, looking over each cord can make all the difference in preventing any shocks or fires. Here’s how you can get started:

Look for signs of fraying or exposed wires. Even a tiny tear in the plastic insulation can cause a big problem, so it’s essential to inspect all of your cords regularly and replace any damaged ones.

Check for loose connections: If something isn’t plugged in securely, it could lead to sparks flying and even an electrical fire. Ensure that all your plugs are seated properly and not at risk of becoming disconnected.

Keep them out of reach of curious pets! If you have any low enough cords for your pet to access, try using cord covers or organisers to keep them away from danger.

If you inspect anything fishy with your wiring system or electrical appliances, get a professional electrician’s help. By taking these steps, you can be sure that your home remains safe and your pet stays out of harm’s way!

Electrx On Its Way To Save Your Furry Friend 

Electrx, your licensed and reliable Melbourne electrician, is on its way to saving your furry friend’s life.
We prioritise completing the job on time and within budget while maintaining the highest standards, which is why we only use premium materials sourced from trustworthy partners.
So, speak to one of our experts today to know more about our electrical services!

Similar Posts