Frequently asked questions

PlugMinder is a lockable cover designed to fit around an electrical socket and connected plug. It helps prevent plugs from being switched off, unplugged or tampered with, while allowing the connected cable to remain in use.

The correct cover depends on the type of socket, the size of the plug or adaptor and the space available around it. PlugMinder covers are available for single and double sockets, fused spurs, oversized plugs and deeper adaptors.

Check the socket dimensions and measure how far the connected plug extends from the wall before ordering.

PlugMinder covers are available in several depths:

• 28 mm Suitable for many small plugs and compact chargers.
• 38 mm Suitable for the majority of standard UK plugs.
• 58 mm Provides additional space for larger plugs and small transformers.
• 80 mm Designed for large adaptors, transformers and devices such as some baby monitors.

Choose a depth that provides sufficient clearance around the plug and cable without pressing against them.

Insert the plug into the socket and measure from the surface of the wall to the point that projects furthest from it. This may be the plug body, cable bend, charger or adaptor.

Choose the next available PlugMinder depth that is greater than this measurement so that the plug and cable are not pressed against the inside of the cover.

PlugMinder is designed primarily for standard UK sockets. The standard PlugMinder baseplates are designed to fit over socket faceplates up to the following sizes:

Single socket: 94mm wide x 90mm high
Double socket: 152mm wide x 90mm high

The plug, adaptor and surrounding wall space must also be considered. Check the width and height of the socket, the depth of the connected plug and any clearance required above or below it.

If your socket, surrounding plate or accessory plate is larger than these dimensions, a custom cover will be required.

The standard design requires enough space around the socket for the cover, hinges and locking screws. Approximately 50mm of side clearance is normally recommended where the standard side-locking arrangement is used.

Alternative side-clip baseplates may be available for installations with as little as approximately 10 mm of side clearance. Send us a photograph and measurements if your socket is close to a wall, cupboard, worktop or another socket.

Yes. Depending on the cover design, removable cable-exit inserts can allow cables to leave through the bottom, top or both sides of the cover.

Check the direction in which your cable naturally leaves the plug before selecting or requesting a cover.

Yes. If a PlugMinder is shown as available to order but is currently out of stock, you can still place your order in the usual way.

We will manufacture the item for your order. Please allow up to two additional working days before despatch while it is printed, checked and assembled. If it is likely to take longer, we will contact you to let you know.

The existing socket screws are loosened by a few turns and the thin PlugMinder baseplate is slid between the socket faceplate and the wall. The socket screws are then retightened, securely clamping the baseplate in position.

The socket does not normally need to be completely removed. Power should still be isolated at the consumer unit before installation.

PlugMinder is designed for straightforward installation and does not require any electrical wiring to be altered. The socket only needs to be loosened enough to slide the 1 mm-thick baseplate behind it.

Anyone carrying out the installation must be competent and comfortable working around electrical fittings. Always isolate the power first, and use a qualified electrician if you are uncertain.

No. PlugMinder uses the socket's existing fixing screws to clamp the baseplate between the socket faceplate and the wall.

No additional fixing holes are required for a standard installation.

Not normally. There must be a clear gap of at least 5mm between the edge of the socket faceplate and any neighbouring socket. This clearance is required so that the sides of the PlugMinder baseplate can be slid down around the socket during installation.

If PlugMinder covers are required on sockets positioned side by side, there must be a clear gap of at least 50 mm between the edges of the two socket faceplates. This provides sufficient access for the locking tool to operate the side fixing screws.

Where two sockets are installed directly beside each other, as shown below, please contact us. We can produce one extra-wide PlugMinder designed to cover both sockets.

A typical PlugMinder installation takes approximately two minutes once you are familiar with the process.

Allow a little longer for the first installation and always take time to isolate the electrical supply and check that the socket is securely refitted.

Close the cover and insert the supplied triangular key into the central lock. Turn the key through approximately 180 degrees to lock or unlock it.

Each PlugMinder is supplied with two triangular keys. Keep the spare key somewhere secure and accessible to an authorised adult.

Yes. Contact us if you require replacement or additional triangular PlugMinder keys.

Yes. PlugMinder is designed to protect a plug while it remains connected and in use. The cable passes through the appropriate cable opening while the cover is closed and locked.

No. PlugMinder is designed for indoor use only and should not be installed externally or in areas exposed to rain, damp or outdoor weather conditions.

PlugMinder is designed for normal indoor environments and everyday use within the home, workplace, school, care setting or similar indoor location.

It is intended to help prevent plugs being unplugged, switches being turned off, and charging cables being removed during normal everyday use. Once fitted, it provides a practical lockable barrier around the plug and socket while still allowing the electrical appliance to remain connected and powered on.

PlugMinder is best suited to locations where it can protect plugs, switches and cables from everyday access and tampering, rather than areas exposed to unusually harsh conditions or excessive physical stress.

If you are unsure whether PlugMinder is suitable for a particular location, please contact us before ordering and we will be happy to advise.

No. PlugMinder's baseplate is held in place by being clamped between the socket fascia and the wall, so it requires a socket fascia that is fixed in place with screws.

Snap-on or clip-on socket fascias are not suitable because there is no screw-fixed fascia to securely clamp the PlugMinder baseplate in position.

Yes. In most cases, the PlugMinder baseplate can be clamped between the socket fascia and the surface-mounted pattress box.

Baseplate clamped behind the socket fascia

Cover fitted to the baseplate

We can also supply a baseplate and cover that completely covers the pattress box. Please note that this type of installation would require access to the wiring inside the pattress box, so the electrical supply must be turned off before installation.

Please contact us for details if you need a PlugMinder cover for a surface-mounted pattress box.

PlugMinder can help deter children and other vulnerable users from switching off, unplugging or tampering with connected equipment. However, it should be treated as a deterrent rather than a guaranteed childproof device.

It is not a substitute for responsible adult supervision, appropriate electrical safety precautions or the replacement of damaged electrical equipment.

PlugMinder is manufactured using flame-retardant PLA/PLA+ material that has been rated UL94 V-0 by the material manufacturer.

This rating applies to the material itself and should not be interpreted as certification of the complete PlugMinder installation or any electrical appliance used inside it.

PlugMinder is available in different depths to provide suitable space around plugs and adaptors. However, any cover can reduce the free airflow around electrical equipment, so the correct size must be selected.

Do not use PlugMinder with damaged equipment or with a charger, transformer or adaptor that becomes unusually hot or requires unrestricted ventilation. Check the equipment after installation and discontinue use if excessive heat is detected.

Yes. We hold Product and Public Liability insurance for PlugMinder products, with cover currently up to £2 million.

This forms part of our approach to responsible product supply, alongside inspecting, assembling and function-testing every PlugMinder before despatch.

Insurance details can be provided where reasonably required, such as for schools, care settings, businesses or procurement checks.

3D printing allows us to manufacture a flexible range of sizes, depths and specialist designs without the restrictions of traditional mass-production tooling. It also enables us to produce custom covers for unusual sockets and plug arrangements.

Visible layer lines and slight variations in surface texture are normal characteristics of the manufacturing process. Every PlugMinder is inspected, assembled and function-tested before despatch.

We can often design and manufacture a custom PlugMinder cover. To assess your requirements, please provide:

• The width and height of the socket or area to be covered.
• The distance the plug extends from the surface of the wall.
• The clearance required above and below the socket.
• Whether cable exits are required at the top, bottom or both.
• Clear photographs showing the socket with the plugs inserted.

We will confirm whether a suitable cover can be supplied, together with the price and expected lead time.

The time needed to supply a custom cover depends on how many custom requests we have at the time and how complex the design needs to be.

If no other custom orders are outstanding and the design only requires a basic modification, we can usually design and print the cover within 3 working days.

During busier periods, or where a more complex design is required, the design and printing process may take around 5–10 working days. We will always provide an indication of the expected lead time when we respond to your custom cover request.

The maximum build volume we can currently produce is approximately 330mm wide x 320mm deep x 320mm high.

The final cover size will also depend on the socket, plug position, cable exits and the amount of clearance needed around the installation.

The cost of a custom cover depends on the amount of design work required, the size and weight of the cover, and the time needed to print it.

We will always try to quote the most competitive price we can. Where only a small modification to one of our standard covers is needed, the additional cost is usually relatively small, typically £10 or less.

For quantities of 5 covers or more, we can often waive the additional custom design fee.