The use of covers negates existing safety measures in the form of protective shutters, exposing the live electrical contacts. Covers can come loose or be easily removed by children, resulting in risk of electrocution. Covers can also damage the socket, which may lead to overheating and risk of fire.

Are plug socket covers necessary?

'You don't need (plug socket cover) to make it safe', he said. He says placing a prong into the top pin can open up the live socket, therefore exposing children to a 230V current. 'In fact, what you are actually doing, is giving your child a tool that will allow them to open up the live conductors', said Mr Palmer.

Are plug socket covers bad?

It has previously been believed that plug socket covers offer safety and prevent children from inserting their fingers in to plug sockets and getting an electric shock from doing so. However, newer findings suggest that in fact the plug socket covers themselves could cause children to suffer from electric shocks.