Trystan Casey
Electric blankets can be a great, cost-effective way to keep warm in winter, but they can also pose a fire hazard if not used correctly. Heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year, with almost all of these fires involving blankets that are more than 10 years old. To prevent fires, it is important to check for wear and tear, store the blanket correctly, and avoid folding or tucking in the blanket during use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fire hazard | Yes, if not used correctly |
| Cause of fire | Friction, overheating, bunched-up areas, old age, misuse, neglect, exposed wiring, malfunctions, design faults |
| Preventative measures | Check for wear and tear, replace every 10 years, store flat/rolled up/hung up, do not fold, do not tuck in, do not place items on top, do not use with certain beds, do not use with emollient creams, do not use with pets, do not plug into a switched outlet, do not wash/dry-clean, turn off before sleeping, do not leave on all night |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric blankets can be a fire hazard if they are old, damaged, or misused
- They should be stored flat, rolled up, or loosely folded to prevent damaging internal wiring
- Never fold, tuck in, or ball up an electric blanket when in use as it may overheat
- Do not buy second-hand electric blankets. Do not use them on certain types of beds?
- New electric blankets are considered safe, but they should still be used correctly
Electric blankets can be a fire hazard if they are old, damaged, or misused
Firstly, it is crucial to purchase electric blankets from reputable retailers and ensure they are approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Old electric blankets, particularly those over ten years old, are more likely to be hazardous due to wear and tear or outdated safety standards. Therefore, it is recommended to replace electric blankets at least every ten years.
Secondly, always inspect your electric blanket for any signs of damage before use. Check for worn or frayed fabric, exposed wires, damage to the electrical cord, or a malfunctioning connector. If you notice any issues, do not use the blanket and consider replacing it. It is also important to avoid folding or tucking in electric blankets during use, as this can cause overheating and increase the risk of fire. Keep the blanket flat and avoid placing anything on top of it, including pillows, blankets, or toys.
Additionally, proper storage of electric blankets is essential to prevent damage to the internal wiring. Store the blanket rolled up or loosely folded, and never run the cords under the mattress or fasten them to walls. Always unplug the blanket before getting into bed, unless it has a thermostat control specifically designed for all-night use.
Lastly, follow general safety guidelines such as avoiding the use of electric blankets on certain types of beds, including waterbeds, adjustable beds, and recliners. Do not use electric blankets if you have an airflow pressure relief mattress or if you use emollient creams. It is also important to consult a doctor before using an electric blanket if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or neuropathy.
By following these precautions and using your electric blanket wisely, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire hazards and enjoy a warm and cozy experience during the cold winter months.
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They should be stored flat, rolled up, or loosely folded to prevent damaging internal wiring
Electric blankets can be a great, cost-effective way to keep warm and cosy, but they can also be a fire hazard if not used or stored correctly. It's important to take precautions to ensure safe use and storage.
Firstly, it's recommended to replace your electric blanket every 10 years, as almost all fires involve blankets that are over 10 years old. Before using your electric blanket, it's crucial to check for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed fabric, exposed wires, or damage to the electrical cord or connector. If you notice any issues, it's best to replace the blanket.
When storing your electric blanket, it's important to prevent damaging the internal wiring. The recommended storage methods are flat, rolled up, or loosely folded. Avoid sharp folds and creases, as they can cause the blanket to become frayed and increase the risk of a fire hazard. It's also important to unplug the blanket and store the cords safely. Place the control unit and cord in a small storage bag, and then place the blanket in a larger storage bag.
By following these storage guidelines, you can help ensure the safety and longevity of your electric blanket. It's also important to follow other safety precautions, such as avoiding piling items on top of the blanket, not using it with certain types of beds, and unplugging it before getting into bed unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use.
Overall, electric blankets can be safely used and stored by following these guidelines, reducing the risk of fire hazards and ensuring a warm and comfortable experience.
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Never fold, tuck in, or ball up an electric blanket when in use as it may overheat
Electric blankets can be a great, cost-effective way to keep warm in winter. However, they can be a fire hazard if not used correctly. Heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year, with almost all of these fires involving blankets that are more than 10 years old.
To prevent fires, it is important to never fold, tuck in, or ball up an electric blanket when it is in use. Folds, creases, or bunched-up areas can trap too much heat, causing the blanket to overheat and potentially start a fire. This is especially dangerous if the blanket is old or damaged, as older models put out higher wattages and lacked the safety features of modern blankets.
If you are using an electric blanket, always keep it flat while it is in use. Avoid tucking it around the mattress or under yourself, and do not pile pillows, blankets, or other items on top of it. Make sure to unplug the blanket before getting into bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use. It is also important to regularly check your blanket for wear and tear and replace it at least every 10 years.
When storing an electric blanket, it is best to roll it up or hang it, rather than folding it. If you must fold it, avoid sharp folds and creases that can become frayed and create a fire hazard. Never plug in or turn on a folded or balled-up electric blanket.
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Do not buy second-hand electric blankets. Do not use them on certain types of beds
Electric blankets can be a great, cost-effective way to keep warm. However, they can be a fire hazard if not used correctly. It is important to never buy second-hand electric blankets. Older blankets may not have internal temperature controls to turn them off before they get too hot. Almost all fires involving electric blankets are caused by blankets that are more than 10 years old.
It is also important to check your blanket for wear and tear and replace it at least every 10 years. If the fabric is worn or frayed, wires are poking through the fabric, or there is any damage to the electrical cord, the blanket should be replaced. Additionally, if the control buttons are buzzing or giving off a smell, or the connector is damaged or overheating, the blanket is unsafe to use.
When storing electric blankets, it is important to store them flat, rolled up, or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring. Never run electrical cords under rugs or fasten them to walls with staples, pins, or other fasteners as this may damage the protective covering and expose the wiring, creating a fire hazard.
Electric blankets should also not be used on certain types of beds. They should not be used on waterbeds or adjustable, pull-out sofa, recliner, or hospital-style beds. They should also not be used with airflow pressure relief mattresses or if you use emollient creams.
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New electric blankets are considered safe, but they should still be used correctly
Electric blankets can be a great, cost-effective way to keep warm in winter. While modern electric blankets are considered generally safe, they should be used correctly to prevent fire hazards and other dangers.
Firstly, it is important to purchase new electric blankets from reputable retailers and ensure they are approved by a nationally recognised testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories. Old, second-hand electric blankets should be avoided as they may have damaged internal wiring, increasing the risk of fire. It is recommended to replace electric blankets at least every ten years, as almost all fires involve blankets over ten years old.
Before use, it is crucial to check the blanket for any signs of wear and tear, such as exposed wires, damaged cords, or malfunctioning control buttons. Pet owners should also be cautious as claws can cause rips and tears in the fabric, exposing the electric wiring. Additionally, electric blankets should not be used with airflow pressure relief mattresses or emollient creams.
When using an electric blanket, it is important to keep it flat and avoid tucking it around the mattress or folding it, as this can cause overheating and increase the risk of fire. The blanket should be turned off before getting into bed unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use. It is also recommended to avoid piling items on top of the blanket, as this can trap heat and increase the risk of fire.
Proper storage of electric blankets is crucial to prevent damage to the internal wiring. They should be stored flat, rolled up, or loosely folded, and cords should be kept away from sharp objects or furniture that could damage the protective covering.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric blankets can be a fire hazard if they are old, damaged, or improperly used. Heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year, with almost all of these fires involving blankets that are more than 10 years old.
To prevent your electric blanket from causing a fire, follow these manufacturer guidelines and safety precautions:
- Check for wear and tear, and replace at least every 10 years.
- Store electric blankets flat, rolled up, or loosely folded to prevent damaging internal wiring.
- Never fold or tuck in electric blankets when in use, as they may overheat and cause a fire.
- Do not allow anything to rest on top of the blanket when it is in use.
- Only purchase blankets approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.
- Do not buy second-hand blankets.
If your electric blanket has wires and attachments that don't fit tightly and properly, or if you see damaged or displaced heating wires when you hold the blanket up to the light, do not use it. Other signs of a malfunctioning electric blanket include buzzing control buttons, a damaged connector, or a burning smell.
Alternatives to electric blankets include portable heaters, hot water bottles, and heating pads. However, these alternatives may also pose safety risks if not used properly. It is important to follow manufacturer guidelines and safety precautions for any heating device.
