Plug-in covers
Plastic covers that push into a socket keep fingers, keys and hairpins out of an unused outlet. They only work while they're in, and they come out every time an adult uses that socket. A loose-fitting cover can be pulled out by a determined toddler, and small ones are a choking risk once they're out. If you use them, choose a design that takes a firm grip to remove, and treat them as one layer rather than the whole plan.
Shuttered power points
Many power points now have spring-loaded shutters behind the pin holes that open only when both pins of a plug push in together. They protect the socket all the time, including when nobody remembered the cover. Swapping a power point is licensed electrical work in Victoria, even like for like, so it's a job for an electrician, and a good time to add any extra points the household needs.
Why the switchboard matters more
A safety switch monitors the circuit and cuts the power within 0.03 of a second when it detects a problem that could hurt someone. Energy Safe Victoria notes it won't prevent every shock and may not protect all wiring and appliances, but it covers the whole circuit, including the leads and appliances that covers can't reach.
Many older homes have safety switches on only some circuits. If you're not sure, a photo of the switchboard with the door open and the covers on will tell us. Press each safety switch's test button every three months, as Energy Safe Victoria suggests.
Other quick fixes
Keep cords and power boards out of reach and off the floor of play areas, and don't leave a charger plugged in at the bedside with the cable dangling. Cover a cracked or loose power point and have it replaced rather than living with it. Keep hair dryers and heaters away from the bath. And test the smoke alarms monthly.
Services that can help
Read more in our guides
Related questions
- How many appliances can I plug into one power board?It's the total load that counts, not the number of sockets.
- How do I avoid cables when drilling or hanging pictures?Assume a cable could be anywhere until you've ruled it out.
- Why do plugs keep falling out of my power point?Plugs drop out when the contacts inside the outlet have lost their grip, or when the outlet itself has come loose from the wall.
- Why is my power point warm?A plug that feels slightly warm after a heater or kettle has run for a while can be normal.
Sources for this answer
5 sources, with the date each was checked
- 1.Energy Safe Victoria: Electrical work isn’t a DIY job, even for small jobs such as changing power points or light switches. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 2.Energy Safe Victoria: monitors the flow of electricity through a circuit detects a problem that may pose a risk to personal safety turns the power off within 0.03 of a second always has a test button and '30ma' printed on them. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 3.Energy Safe Victoria: Follow these steps to check your safety switch every three months: Press in the test buttons on each safety switch which will cut the power and trip the switch into the off position. You may hear a clunking sound. If… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 4.Energy Safe Victoria: Do not touch or attempt to repair a loose, cracked or broken power point switch – cover it immediately and arrange for a licensed electrician to replace it. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 5.Fire Rescue Victoria: TEST your smoke alarm batteries Every month Press and hold the test button until the smoke alarm beeps three times. Accessed 30 September 2026.
General information for homes in Victoria. Every installation is different, so treat this as a starting point. Where this answer refers to Victorian safety or rental rules, the sources above have the current requirements.