Safety first
Arduino projects run on low, gentle power — but wires, batteries and hot tools still deserve respect. Read these rules once and you can build with confidence.
The golden rule: if you are unsure about anything, stop and ask a grown-up before you plug it in.
Electricity
- • Only ever power your Arduino from a USB port or a 9V battery pack. Never a wall socket.
- • Unplug the board before you change any wire.
- • Never let a wire go straight from 5V to GND — that is a short circuit and it gets hot fast.
- • If something smells burnt or feels hot, unplug it and tell a grown-up.
Batteries
- • Check the + and − ends before you connect anything.
- • Never charge a battery that is not rechargeable.
- • Take batteries out when you finish building for the day.
- • A puffy, leaking or warm battery goes straight to an adult — do not use it.
Tools and heat
- • Soldering irons and glue guns are adults-only tools. Always ask first.
- • Cut wires away from your face and keep your fingers behind the blade.
- • Work on a hard, tidy surface — not on a bed or carpet.
- • Wash your hands when you finish handling components.
Online safety
- • Use a nickname on the community board, never your full name.
- • Never share your school, address, phone number or photos of your face.
- • If a message makes you uncomfortable, stop replying and tell a trusted adult.
- • Ask a grown-up before downloading any code or library from the internet.
For parents and teachers
Every project on this site uses 5V logic, breadboards and jumper wires — no mains electricity and no soldering required. Supervision is still recommended for children under 10, especially around batteries, small parts and motors.