Are Electric Blankets Safe? Here's What Experts Have to ...

ARE ELECTRIC BLANKETS SAFE? HERE'S WHAT EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY
 January 29, 2019 |  Safety |  Winter, bedroom, living room, electrical, appliances, pets

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Electric blankets have come a long way since the first automatic model hit the market in 1936. But even with the modern versions of today, is it really a good idea to curl up under an electric blanket at night? We’ve done our research, and here’s what you need to know.

Under Blankets and Over Blankets
First, let’s distinguish between the two types of electric blankets available for purchase: under blankets and over blankets. Under blankets, also known as heating pads, are placed directly on a mattress, while over blankets are just like traditional blankets you would cover yourself up with. We’ll go ahead and put one huge safety concern out there right off the bat: Using both an under blanket and an over blanket at the same time can create a major fire hazard, so you should only ever go with one or the other.

Common Concerns
We should exercise caution when it comes to anything that plugs into the wall, but electric blankets seem to have a reputation that precedes them. The good news is that at least with modern electric blankets, that reputation is, for the most part, undeserved. An average of 360,000 home fires occur each year, and electric blankets are known to cause just .04 percent of them. While it’s hard to ignore even the smallest percentage of risk, you can greatly reduce electric blanket hazards by following recommended usage directions.

Safety Guidelines
Here are general safety guidelines for using electric blankets:

1. Never use electric blankets with infants, small children or those who are otherwise not able to operate the blanket’s controls directly. The elderly should also exercise caution.
2. Keep pets away from electric blankets. Not only could pets easily overheat, they could damage the blanket with a nail or tooth and damage the wiring.
3. It’s important to never buy a secondhand electric blanket, even if you spot a great deal at a thrift store or garage sale. You can never be sure what sort of damage the blanket may have sustained in the past, how old it is or what kind of outdated technology it might be using. Remember, blankets that are 10 years or older account for 99 percent of all electric blanket fires.
4. Don’t use a wet electric blanket and avoid having liquids around your blanket, even when it’s not in use.
5. Be careful how you run the cords. Under the bed is best so that you don’t create a tripping hazard, but it’s also crucial not to create a situation where any kinks or friction damage might occur. Never run the cord between the mattress and box springs.
6. Do not use an electric blanket with adjustable furniture of any kind. This includes mechanical beds that raise and lower, pull-out sofas, recliners or Murphy beds. The cord of the blanket could get pinched, creating a fire hazard.
7. As mentioned above, never use a heating pad and a heating blanket at the same time. This could cause overheating and a fire hazard. It’s also important not to use an electric blanket with a heated waterbed.
8. Never bunch, fold or ball up an electric blanket. It should always lie flat so that the heat in the middle has a place to escape.
9. Watch what hobbies you do around an electric blanket. A sewing needle, for example, could puncture the wire insulation and damage it.
10. Don’t keep an electric blanket on any one part of your body for too long, and try to avoid allowing the blanket to make contact with bare skin.
11. Follow cleaning instructions carefully. You should never iron an electric blanket or dry clean it, and there may be specific care instructions for the washer and dryer.
12. Pay attention to your electric blanket to make sure it’s operating correctly. If anything seems off, discontinue use immediately and contact the manufacturer’s customer service line.

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Are you tired of filling up your hot water bottle to keep yourself warm in the cold winter months? You're not alone!

Electric blankets are a fantastic way of solving that nasty winter chill. But how effective are they? We've got you covered if you want to know how an electric blanket heats up and how long they take to get warm.

How long do electric blankets take to heat?

When you slip under a duvet in the middle of winter, there's nothing worse than a cold sheet! Just the thought is enough to send a chill down your spine. Of course, you can avoid this nasty shock by using an electric blanket.

Ideally, you should warm your blanket before you settle in for the night if you want to be greeted by a snug, warm bed. High-quality electric blankets can preheat in as little as 20 minutes. But in most cases, the blanket can take 30 minutes to an hour before reaching your desired temperature.

You can set the temperature on the blanket by using the controller connected to the power cord. Most models come with low, medium, and high heat settings.

Depending on your chosen setting, you may need to wait longer for it to warm up. This is because the blanket will need more or less time to reach the different temperatures set by the controller.

How do electric blankets work?

Electric blankets work by generating heat through interconnected wires which are coated with protective coverings and sit between heat-safe materials. These wires pass through one or two corners of the blanket and are attached to a temperature controller and plug.

When you plug your blanket in, the electricity will power the temperature regulator and keep your bed at the temperature you choose. 

For more guidance, read our guide on how to use an electric blanket.

Why do electric blankets stop heating up?

Over time, wear and tear can take its toll on any bedding. You might notice that your heated blanket isn’t getting hot or it isn’t working altogether.

Below are some reasons why your electric blanket may not be heating up as quickly as it should.

Faulty or loose connections

Because your electric blanket relies on its various wires and connection points to work effectively, a faulty or loose connection can interfere with how well your blanket works.

If your blanket has stopped working, you'll need to unplug it. Then, you'll need to check each of the connection points. Check the plug, temperature controller or switch, and the cord connection where it attaches to the blanket.

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If the connection is faulty, you will need to replace your electric blanket.

Not using the electric blanket correctly

There are two main types of electric blankets: under and over blankets. You can also get a heated throw which are easy to use and can be moved around more than the others.

Under blankets are placed over your mattress and under your bottom sheet. In comparison, over blankets lie above your sheet and under or over your duvet.

Both blankets must be used carefully to avoid faulty connections and to ensure they work properly and get warm. If the blanket is bunched up or hanging over the edges of your bed, the internal wiring may be affected, which can stop it from warming up.

It’s also important you maintain your electric blanket properly, following all manufacturer guidance on washing and cleaning. 

Electric blanket is damaged

There are several ways your electric blanket can get damaged enough to stop working effectively. One of the most common causes is that users don't allow their blankets to dry after washing them or washing them incorrectly.

You'll need to detach all the cords and connectors running from the blanket to the power cord before washing your blanket. Once it's washed, let it dry completely before plugging it in again. If you still feel damp patches on your blanket, leave it to dry a little longer.

Plugging your blanket in when it's still damp can cause damage to the blanket. For more details on caring for your electric blanket, read our guide on how to wash an electric blanket.

Electric blanket is old

When your electric blanket is worn and older, it may have reached the end of its life. Most electric blankets need replacing every 10 years, although some may need to be replaced sooner. If you look after your blanket and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning or storing, you’ll help keep your blanket lasting longer. 

Built-in timer

Sometimes, your blanket may stop getting warm if it has a built-in timer. After a while, your electric blanket may automatically switch off for safety or to save electricity. This is a likely cause of why your electric blanket isn’t as warm as you think it should be. 

Most modern electric blankets feature a shut-off feature to keep you safe during use. 

FAQs

Can I leave my electric blanket on all night?

It isn't recommended to leave electric blankets on all night. Modern electric blankets are designed with an automatic timer to switch your appliance off after a long period. Others may have a temperature regulator or overheat protection for better safety. 

According to the standard manufacturer's instructions, you should let your blanket heat up before climbing into bed and turn it off before falling asleep.

Do electric blankets heat the whole bed?

Electric blankets placed on or under duvets can heat the entire surface of the bed. However,  electric blankets are shorter than the entire length of the bed as they are not supposed to go under your pillow. 

Some blankets come with dual control that allows you to heat one half of the blanket at a time. This is great for when you're sharing a bed with someone and want to choose your preferred heat settings to keep you warm.

What happens if you sleep with your electric blanket on?

Sleeping with your electric blanket on can negatively affect your health, particularly if you have diabetes and other medical conditions. Sleeping with your electric blanket on can also cause overheating and excess sweating. 

As mentioned above, it is not recommended that electric blankets are left on while asleep.

However, if you're looking for a less high-tech alternative for all-night warmth, you may want to use a hot water bottle or another alternative to electric blankets. 

Discover electric blankets & heated blankets from Sleepseeker

If you're looking for a new electric blanket, take a look at our range of Slumberdown electric blankets and Snuggledown electric blankets at Sleepseeker. We also have a vast selection of bedding to choose from, including duvets, pillows, mattress toppers, and so much more.

The company is the world’s best electric heating pad for neck and shoulders supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.