Can Electric Blankets Catch Fire

In fact most electric blankets contain a safety circuit the sole and exclusive purpose of which is to try to prevent a fire when one of the known and expected fire causing failure modes occurs in the product.

Can electric blankets catch fire. Do not leave electric blankets turned on during the day as objects such as clothes pets bedding or other heavy objects can cause overheating and fires. If you remove your electric blanket during the. Check the inner coils from an outside inspection the thermostat and the cord for any breaks or damage that have the potential to cause fire. Electric blanket safety advice as the cold weather spreads across the country through the autumn and winter many people will be dusting off their electric blankets ready for use.

Users run the risk of overheating. Inspect electric blankets make sure to thoroughly inspect all electric blankets on a regular basis. Electric blankets account for over 5000 fires a year in the home and you can prevent these by taking some simple steps. The fact is there are fire risks in using an electric blanket.

Older blankets prior to about 2001 may not have a shut off mechanism. With so much potential for danger you d think electric blankets would cause countless fires on any given year but the danger isn t as widespread as you might expect. Electric blankets should be turned on half an hour before going to bed and then turned off when getting into bed. Newer electric blankets have a shutoff mechanism to prevent the blanket from overheating or catching fire.

But be careful don t risk a fire. A deadly 2010 fire in walnut creek california started when an electric blanket. Do not leave electric blankets turned on during the day as objects such as clothes pets bedding or other heavy objects can cause overheating and fires. Though electric blankets can be a great cost effective way to keep warm and cosy it s important to use them with care.

Electric blankets and heating pads make cozy companions on chilly days. Like any electric appliance electric blankets can spark fires in the home that damage property and threaten lives. Electric blankets are a potential fire hazard if not used and stored correctly. Electric blankets should be turned on half an hour before going to bed and then turned off when getting into bed.

Fire risks of electric blankets explained. Store electric blankets flat rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring. But they potentially could be a fire hazard if not used correctly before you plug yours in and snuggle up for the season consider these electric blanket and heating pad safety tips from the electric blanket institute and electrical safety foundation international as well as the seattle fire department. Discontinue using any blankets with possible danger signs.

Electric blankets are a potential fire hazard if not used and stored correctly. Unplug blankets before you get into bed unless it has a thermostat control for safe all.