How to Install a Tamper-Proof Light Switch

If you have small children, you've probably already put up baby gates and installed electrical outlet covers. These are good and necessary things, but you shouldn't stop there. If your child is a curious one, you might have noticed him pushing a chair up to the wall and playing with the light switch. After all, it's quite entertaining to watch the light go on and off. It can pose an electrical hazard for your child to play with a light switch, a problem that can be solved by installing tamper-proof light switches. The switches prevent your child from turning on and off the lights, but they still keep the switches usable for you.

Things You'll Need

  • Light switch guard
  • Screwdriver
  • Zip-close bag
  • Pencil
  • Drill
  • Screws

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the proper tamper-proof light switch cover for your home. Most large home improvement stores stock the covers in several colors and styles so you can match them to your already existing decor.

    • 2

      Read the installation directions on the tamper-proof light switch cover that you've chosen. Some require that you drill a hole and screw the cover on, while others install over the light switch you already have.

    • 3

      Remove the existing light switch cover and screws. Save these in a zip-close bag so you can replace them when your child is old enough to leave the light switches alone.

    • 4

      Drill a hole in the wall, if necessary, to install the cover. Mark the wall where the hole needs to be using a pencil, choose the appropriately sized drill bit and create the hole. Use a screwdriver to attach the light switch cover to the wall.

    • 5

      Affix the tamper-proof light switch cover over the light switch by removing the backing and sticking it directly over the switch. Line the cover up first because once it sticks, it can be tricky to get it back off the wall to reposition it.

    • 6

      Repeat the procedure for each light switch in your home.

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