Note: This article is only relevant to readers in the United Kingdom.

If you’re using socket covers, it’s time to stop. In fact, don’t even think about using them. And if you’ve already got some, return them immediately. If you can’t return them, throw them away. And if you see them at your friends’ houses, tell them to get rid of them immediately.

Now, you might think that’s an abrupt start, but there’s a good reason for it. Socket covers are not safe, and they never will be.

British sockets are already super safe – in fact, they’re nearly the safest sockets in the world. Socket covers compromise this safety as soon as they’re plugged in, as they can easily damage the plug socket and cause electrical faults, fires, and electrocution.

Socket covers are often removed or twisted with the earth pin still inside, keeping the gates forced open and allowing your child to touch the live electrical circuits. Moreover, they are made from fragile material that doesn’t conform to any standard and can easily break, leaving a plastic pin permanently in the socket and consequently a live circuit available for your little one to touch.

It is common for houses to have multiple sockets with snapped-off plastic pins from these poorly designed products, which have been missed by the previous owners, leaving a potential death trap waiting for your child. So, check every socket in your home to see if they already have this fault and replace any affected sockets immediately. Do not just turn off the power and pull out the pins with pliers, as the socket has more likely been damaged and made unsafe. Simply replace the socket with a new one or get a professional to do it. It’s not expensive and is well worth your family’s safety.