Appliances

Electric blankets

Updated: 06 May 2010
Electric-blankets-hero

Introduction

All electric blankets will warm your bed. New ones will do it safely. Old ones are a fire risk.

In this free guide we examine some of the safety issues relating to electric blankets. We tell you what standards to look for, how to check if your old blanket is safe, and give tips for using them safely.

Note: this report is a guide only and does not contain test results.

Are electric blankets safe?

Electric blanket fires are largely a thing of the past. Since the standard for electric blankets was toughened up in 1988, most of the old problems of overheating and fires have disappeared. Each year, as more old blankets get replaced by safer new ones, the number of blanket-related fires continues to fall.

They haven't entirely gone, however. In 2008 there were 26 fires caused by faulty electric blankets. We suspect most of these were older blankets, which should be checked each year without fail (see Safety checklist).

Tougher safety rules

To comply with the tougher safety rules, most makers now use special fail-safe heating elements or controls that automatically turn down the power if the blanket gets too warm. If severe overheating happens, the blanket is designed to automatically cut the power.

There are also tests to make sure the cable won't short circuit where it enters the heat-control switch, a simulated wear test on the blanket fabric, and further checks to ensure all electrical connections are durable.

We tested blankets ourselves in 1995, and all passed with flying colours. The Australian consumer magazine Choice repeated the exercise in 1998, with the same result.

This focus on safety means all you have to do is decide the size, the type of material used to make the blanket, the number of heat settings on the controller, or whether you want features like detachable controls so you can wash the blanket.

Yes, you really can machine wash and tumble dry some blankets. But not all blankets are up to a session in the washing machine.

What about EMFs?

Many people are worried about the effects of the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) associated with electric wiring and appliances. Can they cause cancer?

The studies are not conclusive, but the evidence suggests that if the risk exists at all it's minimal.

Such a risk seems particularly relevant to electric blankets, because you lie only millimetres from the wiring. But EMFs only exist when an appliance is switched on. For fire-safety and overheating reasons, you should switch a blanket off when you get into bed anyway. EMFs are possibly one more reason not to have the blanket on when you're lying on it.

Also, remember the control unit switches the power off at the control. To stop EMF from the control unit – switch it off at the wall.

Buying advice

Price

A basic single electric blanket will cost from $30 and a queen-size starts around $60. Top-of-the-line fully featured blankets can top $500.

Overheat protection

Senses abnormal temperatures and switches off the blanket when it gets too hot. All blankets must have overheat protection to avoid the risk of heatstroke.

Settings

Electric blanket control

For warming the bed, a two- or three-heat model is all you need. But if you lie in bed with the blanket switched on, more heat settings help you get the right temperature.

Fitting

Fitted blankets are easier to set up and keep straight on the bed compared with tie-tape models. Throw blankets are for use over an armchair or bed and don’t have fitting attachments.

Features

Features can add to your convenience and comfort, but they do cost. Among the more useful options:

  •  Dual controls: allow you to control the temperature on your side of the bed independently.
  • Fabric: fleecy blankets (wool or synthetic) are more luxurious.
  • Extra heat foot zone: good for people with cold feet.
  • Waterproof electric blankets: are suitable for children. They contain a waterproof membrane that stops moisture reaching the wires.
  • Timers: allow you to set the blanket to warm up your bed at the same time every night. The more basic (and cheaper) models have "off" timers only.
  • Removable controls: mean you can safely machine wash your electric blanket.

Safety checklist

We used to advise everyone to get their blankets checked every year. Because most blankets are now the new safer models, we don't think that's necessary. But before winter kicks in make sure you do the following:

Check the number on the standard label

  • If it says AS/NZS 3164:1994, or current standard numbers AS/NZS 3350.2.17:2000 or AS/NZS60335.2.17:2004, we think the blanket needs checking only if it fails your own safety checks.
  • If it has any other number (or no number at all), your blanket could be dangerous or very old. It's time to buy a new one.

Check the blanket

  • Are there twisted or exposed element wires? Does the blanket look rumpled on the bed? It should lie flat.
  • Check the controls and the cord for damage or exposed wires.
  • Next, turn the blanket on for 15 minutes at the highest setting. Turn it off and run your hand over it to feel for hot spots. A hot spot means the heating element has been damaged.
  • Signs of any of these faults mean a safety check is essential.

Getting it checked

  • Look in the Yellow Pages under "Electrical Appliances Repairs & Servicing" or "Home Appliances Servicing". Otherwise, ask your electricity supply company or local council help office if they know who can check it for you.
  • Whoever you use, get a quote first.
  • NZ Fire Service regional centres have previously offered free electric blanket checks. Contact your local Fire Service to find out if any further free checks are planned for your area.

Safety tips

  • Turn your blanket off when you get into bed. (Okay we know you won't always, but you should.)
  • Don't use it with a hot water bottle.
  • Young children or anyone with continence problems should not use an electric blanket, unless it is rated as waterproof.
  • Be especially careful not to leave an infant or someone who is very ill on a blanket that's turned on. They could suffer fatal heatstroke.
  • Don't leave piles of clothing on the bed (or sleeping pets) when it is on. Localised overheating could cause the fail-safe mechanism to trigger.
  • Make sure the blanket lies smooth and flat, and is not over-hanging the edge of the bed.
  • Roll up the blanket if you store it over summer. Never fold the blanket – this may damage the element.