If you’ve got little ones running around your home, you already know—kids are curious. They’ll stick fingers, toys, or just about anything into places they shouldn’t. And while that curiosity is great for learning, it can be risky when it comes to electricity.
At Old Town Electric, we’ve worked in hundreds of Sacramento homes, from new builds in Rocklin to 1960s ranch homes in Fair Oaks. We’ve seen it all—outdated outlets, missing covers, frayed cords, and panel issues that make us shake our heads. So, we wanted to share some real, practical ways to make your home’s electrical system safer for kids.
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Why Electrical Safety Matters for Sacramento Homeowners
Here’s the thing—our area is full of homes built decades ago. In neighborhoods like Carmichael and Citrus Heights, many houses still have their original wiring. Back then, electrical safety standards were completely different.
Modern families use way more power: chargers, game consoles, smart devices, and more. That old wiring wasn’t designed for it. Add a few kids into the mix, and suddenly, those outdated outlets and cords can be serious hazards.
Keeping your home safe isn’t just about code compliance—it’s about peace of mind. Knowing your child can play on the living room floor without risk of shock? That’s priceless.
1. Install Tamper-Resistant Outlets (TRRs)
If you do one thing to improve your home’s electrical system safety for kids, make it this.
Tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs) look just like standard outlets, but they have built-in spring-loaded shutters. These shutters block anything that isn’t a plug from entering—like a paperclip, toy, or curious little finger.
Our team installs these all the time in older Sacramento homes. They’re required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in all new builds, but most homes built before 2008 don’t have them.
Pro tip:
If you’re not sure whether your outlets are tamper-resistant, look for the tiny “TR” stamped between the slots. No “TR”? Give us a call—we can replace them in a single visit.
2. Use Childproof Covers on Power Strips and Unused Outlets
Power strips are one of the most overlooked hazards in any home. They sit on the floor—right where kids can reach. Most homeowners in Sacramento have at least one behind the TV or under the computer desk.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Use sliding outlet covers or box-style power strip covers to keep plugs out of reach.
- Mount power strips higher up, away from little hands.
- Avoid overloading them with too many devices—especially heaters or hair dryers.
We’ve seen power strips melt from overload in Folsom homes more than once. It’s not worth the risk.
If you’re unsure about your load limits, our local electricians near Sacramento can test and label your circuits, so you know exactly what’s safe.
3. Upgrade to Arc-Fault and Ground-Fault Protection
This one goes deeper than visible outlets.
Your circuit breakers are your first line of defense against electrical fires and shocks.
- Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) detect dangerous arcing (tiny sparks that happen when wiring is damaged or loose).
- Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) protect you from shocks by cutting power instantly if electricity travels where it shouldn’t—like through a person.
In simple terms:
AFCIs prevent fires. GFCIs prevent electrocution.
Modern homes in Sacramento are required to have these in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. But if your home was built before 1990, you might only have standard breakers.
We recently upgraded a family’s panel in Fair Oaks near Madison Avenue. Their kids’ bedroom outlets were on old circuits—no GFCI, no AFCI. One bad cord could’ve been a disaster waiting to happen. After we installed modern protection, their peace of mind was worth every penny.
4. Hide or Reinforce Loose Cords and Lamps
Kids trip. They tug. They pull things down.
That’s why managing cords is another big part of electrical system safety for kids.
Here’s what works:
- Use cord shorteners or concealment kits to keep cords out of sight.
- Never run cords under rugs—they can overheat.
- Replace any lamp or extension cord with cracked insulation immediately.
We’ve had calls from Roseville homeowners about “weird smells” that turned out to be cords smoldering under a carpet. It happens fast. Especially in summer when Sacramento’s heat makes everything run hotter.
If you’re running multiple devices in one room, we can help you install additional outlets where you actually need them—no daisy-chained extension cords required.
5. Schedule a Whole-Home Electrical Safety Inspection
You can buy all the outlet covers and cord clips in the world—but nothing replaces a full professional inspection.
At Old Town Electric, our team performs thorough safety checks for families across Sacramento County. During an inspection, we look for:
- Outdated wiring (especially aluminum wiring common in older homes)
- Missing grounding in outlets
- Damaged or overloaded circuits
- Loose connections behind outlets or switches
- Faulty smoke detector wiring
- Missing GFCI/AFCI protection
- Panel corrosion or signs of overheating
We test, tighten, and verify everything.
And if we find something that’s unsafe, we’ll explain it clearly—no scare tactics, no upselling. Just honest advice and a path to a safer home.
A Quick Checklist for Parents
If you’re not ready for a full inspection yet, start with these steps:
| Area | What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Outlets behind furniture | Prevent cords from being crushed or bent |
| Kitchen | GFCI outlets near sinks | Protects from water-related shocks |
| Bedrooms | Nightlight cords & lamps | Prevent overheating or tripping hazards |
| Bathroom | GFCI test button works | Ensures shock protection is active |
| Garage | Extension cord use | Avoid overloads and fires |
Common Myths About Electrical Safety
Let’s clear up a few things we hear from homeowners all the time:
- “I’ve got outlet covers, so I’m safe.”
Not necessarily. Covers help, but they don’t protect against hidden wiring issues or panel problems. - “My house passed inspection when I bought it.”
That doesn’t mean your system meets current safety standards. - “It’s too expensive to upgrade.”
Compared to the cost of a fire or shock injury? Not even close.
Why Work With a Local Sacramento Electrician
Electrical codes, soil conditions, and even the local utility setup matter here. Sacramento’s soil has high mineral content, which affects grounding systems.
And SMUD, our local utility, has its own set of requirements for service panels and upgrades.
At Old Town Electric, we know those inside and out because we deal with them every day. We’ve pulled permits in Rocklin, coordinated with SMUD on meter upgrades in Carmichael, and replaced corroded panels in Folsom’s older neighborhoods.
When you work with a local team, you’re not getting a guess—you’re getting electricians who’ve already fixed the same issues your neighbors have.
What It Costs to Make Your Electrical System Safer for Kids
Here’s a general idea of what to expect in the Sacramento area:
- Tamper-resistant outlets: $25–$40 per outlet installed
- AFCI/GFCI breaker upgrades: $150–$300 each
- Full safety inspection: $250–$400 for most homes
- Panel upgrades or rewiring: Price varies based on size and condition
We’re always upfront with pricing. If something can wait, we’ll tell you. If it’s urgent, we’ll explain why—and what the most affordable fix is.
Real Example: A Folsom Family’s Safety Upgrade
One of our favorite stories comes from a family near Blue Ravine Road in Folsom. Their toddler had just started crawling, and they wanted to make sure every outlet and cord was safe. During our inspection, we found an older outlet in the nursery that wasn’t grounded and a few GFCIs that didn’t trip properly.
We replaced the outlets with tamper-resistant ones, installed new GFCI breakers, and cleaned up the panel. The homeowner told us afterward she slept better knowing her daughter’s room was fully protected.
That’s why we do what we do.
Benefits of a Safer Electrical System
Here’s what Sacramento homeowners gain by upgrading:
- Fewer tripped breakers and electrical issues
- Lower fire risk
- Protection against shocks
- Compliance with modern code
- Peace of mind for parents
And let’s be honest—peace of mind is everything when you’ve got kids in the house.
Ready to Make Your Home Safer?
If you’re ready to upgrade your home’s electrical system and keep your kids safe, contact Old Town Electric.
We proudly serve homeowners across Sacramento, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Rocklin, Roseville, and nearby areas.
Our licensed electricians will walk you through every step, explain what matters most, and make your home a safer place for your family.
Give us a call or schedule your safety inspection today.
