Otis Singleton
Electric blankets are a popular way to keep warm, especially during winter. However, they pose a serious fire risk, causing around 500 fires each year, with 5,000 fires per year in the US alone. Faulty and defective electric blankets have resulted in property damage, serious injuries, and even death. Many older models lack essential safety features, such as automatic shut-off buttons, and over 10,000 electric blankets were recalled in 2018 due to burn and fire hazards. With two-thirds of electric blankets deemed unsafe, it is crucial to prioritize safety precautions and regular checks to prevent potential fire hazards and tragic consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of house fires from electric blankets per year in the US | 5,000 |
| Number of fires caused by heating pads and electric blankets per year | 500 |
| Percentage of fires caused by units 10 or more years old | 99% |
| Percentage of electric blankets found to be unsafe in English households | 33% |
| Number of electric blankets, heating pads, and throws recalled in 2018 due to burn risks and fire hazards | 10,000 |
| Number of electric blankets recalled by Rural King in February 2018 due to fire and burn hazards | 9,600 |
| Number of fires caused by electric blankets in Mansfield | 1 |
| Number of people who suffered burns in the Mansfield fire | 1 |
| Number of people killed in a fire caused by an electric blanket | 1 |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric blankets cause around 500 fires per year
- Faulty design and manufacturing defects can cause electric blankets to catch fire
- Worn or damaged electric blankets can lead to electrical fires
- Electric blankets should be replaced every 10 years
- Electric blankets should be checked for damage and stored correctly to prevent fires
Electric blankets cause around 500 fires per year
Electric blankets are a popular way to keep warm, especially during the winter months. However, they can pose a serious fire risk, with around 500 fires each year attributed to electric blankets and heating pads. This figure could be higher, as some fires may go unreported. In addition to the risk of fire, electric blankets have also been known to cause injuries and even death due to burns, shock, and electrocution.
Nottinghamshire County Council's Trading Standards team has found that over two-thirds of electric blankets have the potential to cause deadly house fires. This is due to a variety of factors, including age, worn fabric, faulty controllers, scorch marks from overheating, dangerous wiring, and damaged heating elements. It is recommended that electric blankets be replaced every ten years, even if they show no signs of damage or wear.
One of the main causes of electric blanket fires is overheating. This can occur when the blanket is folded or tucked in, or when something is placed on top of it while it is in use. It is important to store electric blankets flat, rolled up, or loosely folded when not in use to prevent damage. Electric blankets should also never be plugged into an extension cord or power strip, as they may overheat and cause a fire.
To prevent fires, it is important to purchase electric blankets from reputable retailers and to only buy blankets that have been approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. It is also crucial to regularly check electric blankets for any signs of damage, such as scorch marks, exposed wires, or damage to the electrical cord. If any of these issues are present, the blanket should be replaced immediately.
By following these safety precautions, the risk of electric blanket fires can be significantly reduced, helping to keep homes and families safe.
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Faulty design and manufacturing defects can cause electric blankets to catch fire
Electric blankets can be a great way to keep warm, especially during the cold winter months. However, they can pose a serious fire risk, with heating pads and electric blankets causing around 500 fires each year. Faulty design and manufacturing defects are often to blame for these fires.
In 2018, more than 10,000 electric blankets, heating pads, and throws were recalled due to burn risks and fire hazards. Defective design and manufacturing faults in electric blankets have resulted in property damage, serious injuries, and even deaths. For example, in the UK, the Daewoo-branded single and double-sized electric blankets were recalled due to a manufacturing defect that could cause the blanket to spark or catch fire. Similarly, in the US, Shop LC recalled 1,650 electric heated blankets due to heating coils overheating, and Rural King recalled 9,600 electric heated blankets because the electric cord could overheat and catch fire, resulting in two fires and a burn injury to a customer.
Notably, children are at a heightened risk of sustaining burn injuries due to faulty and defective electric blankets. Infants, in particular, are vulnerable as they lack the cognitive ability to detect a dangerous increase in temperature. In one instance, three children suffered burns caused by an electric heating pad in a hospital, highlighting the potential dangers of these products.
To prevent fires and ensure safety, it is crucial to purchase electric blankets from reputable retailers and only use those approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. Regularly checking for damage, such as worn fabric, faulty controllers, scorch marks, dangerous wiring, or damaged heating elements, is essential. Additionally, it is important to replace electric blankets every ten years, even if they appear to be in good condition, as older models may lack adequate safety features.
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Worn or damaged electric blankets can lead to electrical fires
Electric blankets can be a great way to keep warm, especially during winter. However, they can pose a serious fire risk, especially when they are worn or damaged. Electric blankets contain heating coils wrapped in insulated wires. The wires heat up when the blanket is plugged into an electrical outlet. Folding, tucking in, or bunching up the blanket can cause a short in the wires, leading to overheating and potentially causing a fire.
Nottinghamshire County Council's Trading Standards team has found that more than two-thirds of electric blankets have the potential to cause deadly house fires. In safety tests, 69% of electric blankets were deemed unsafe due to various reasons, including age, worn fabric, faulty controllers, scorch marks from overheating, dangerous wiring, and damaged heating elements.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled thousands of electric blankets in recent years due to fire safety risks. In 2018 alone, more than 10,000 electric blankets, heating pads, and throws were recalled due to burn and fire hazards. Defective electric blankets have resulted in property damage, serious injuries, and even deaths.
To prevent electrical fires, it is crucial to regularly inspect electric blankets for any signs of damage or wear. It is recommended to replace electric blankets every ten years, even if they appear to be in good condition. Before using an electric blanket, check for any damage to the wires or the electrical cord. Look for dark, charred, or frayed spots, and ensure that the blanket is not folded or tucked in when in use. Always unplug the blanket before getting into bed and store it flat, rolled up, or loosely folded to prevent damage.
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Electric blankets should be replaced every 10 years
Electric blankets are a popular way to keep warm, especially during the winter months. However, they can become a fire hazard within the home very quickly. Heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year, with almost all of these fires involving electric blankets that are more than ten years old. In fact, experts say that 99% of all fires and other accidents related to electric blankets and heating pads are caused by units that are ten or more years old.
The fire service and electric blanket manufacturers recommend that you replace your electric blanket every ten years, even if there are no signs of damage or wear. This is because the performance, safety, and hygiene of the blanket could be compromised with continued use. The fabric of the blanket, which absorbs the heat from the wire element and distributes it, protecting you from burns, can become threadbare and frayed over time. The heating element inside the blanket is made of a single wire, which is covered with a protective coating. The wire is shaped in a certain way to distribute heat evenly, but folding or creasing the blanket can bend this wire out of shape and damage the protective coating, leading to a potential burn hazard.
Additionally, the power cord and controller of the electric blanket are sensitive parts that can become damaged over time. If the controller starts to make a buzzing sound or smell like it is burning, this is a sign of a fault with the electric blanket control. The power cord should also be checked regularly for damage, including splits, strains, and exposed wires.
It is important to purchase electric blankets from reputable retailers and to only use them as intended. They should never be left unattended or used while sleeping, folded or tucked in, or plugged into an extension cord or power strip as they could overheat and cause a fire. Regularly checking your electric blanket for any signs of damage or wear and replacing it every ten years will help to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
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Electric blankets should be checked for damage and stored correctly to prevent fires
Electric blankets can be a great, cost-effective way to keep warm, especially during the winter months. However, they can also pose a fire hazard if not used and stored correctly. In fact, heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year, with one source citing 5,000 fires per year in the US, and can lead to serious injuries and even death.
To prevent fires, it is important to regularly check electric blankets for damage and store them correctly when not in use. Before using an electric blanket, take a few minutes to inspect it for any signs of wear and tear. Look for dark, charred, or frayed spots, as well as electrical cords that are cracked or frayed. If you notice any damage to the wires, such as scorch marks or exposed wires poking through the fabric, it is important to replace the blanket immediately. It is recommended to replace electric blankets every 10 years, even if they show no signs of damage or wear.
When storing electric blankets, it is important to unplug them and store them flat, rolled up, or loosely folded to prevent damage. Do not fold or tuck in the blanket when it is in use, as this can cause the blanket to overheat and pose a fire hazard. Additionally, do not place anything on top of the blanket when it is in use, as it may also cause overheating.
It is also important to purchase electric blankets from reputable retailers and ensure they have been approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. Older models may not have adequate safety controls, such as an automatic shut-off button, which can prevent overheating. Be wary of purchasing second-hand electric blankets, as they may be older models without the necessary safety features.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year, with 5,000 fires per year in the US alone.
Electric blankets can pose a serious fire hazard, especially if they are old or damaged. Faulty wiring, damaged heating elements, and controllers can all lead to fires. It is recommended to replace electric blankets every 10 years and to check for damage regularly.
To prevent fires, it is important to only purchase electric blankets from reputable retailers and to look for any signs of damage before use. Never fold or tuck in electric blankets, and do not leave them unattended or plugged in while sleeping.
