It was our policy not to name suppliers of plug-in safety socket covers as we started this campaign thinking that all covers suffered the same basic shortcoming. We have not found a plug-in cover which can not be inserted upside down and thus open internal shutters.  However, we have come to realise that there are a number of other issues which make some covers even more dangerous. For this reason we are now identifying, where possible, all the covers which we show.

If any supplier believes that the problems we highlight do not affect their products we would be pleased to hear from them and will consider publishing their comments here.

As part of our research we have studied the information provided on packaging, and have also approached a number of suppliers about any electrical standards which apply to their products, and what insulation testing is used. So far no supplier has been able to provide any information on standards or insulation testing, either on the packaging or in answer to our enquiries.

One supplier does include the following warning on the packet: 
   “Discontinue use when child is able to remove it” 
This suggests to us that they are aware of the potential dangers of using their product!

We issue a challenge to all suppliers: If you have a good reason to believe that your product offers superior protection compared to that specified by BS 1363 then please tell us what it is, if your claim stands up to rigorous testing then we will be pleased to publish the results. Similarly, if any supplier believes that they can identify any shortcomings in the BS 1363 standard then we undertake to ensure that their information is placed in the hands of the IET and the standards and regulatory bodies so that it may be properly considered.

So far we have received no information to suggest that there is a valid case for using plug-in socket covers in the United Kingdom.

If suppliers are unable to meet the challenges above then we believe that they have no legitimate case for offering a product which is without proven value, but which places children in danger!

We would like to congratulate Cablestar, an online retailer selling direct and through Amazon, on becoming the first retailer to cease selling socket covers when the dangers were pointed out to them. Well Done! We look forward to others following their lead.

The bottom line is:
Safety is designed into UK sockets - plug in covers reduce safety!