The comfort of an electric blanket is unbeatable during the chilly nights. Electric blankets warm up things on the bed, including the sheet and slipping under the warm sheet feels like a true heaven in the chilly winter days. However, these blankets have the risk of fire and burns, if not used cautiously. Though electric blankets with inbuilt safety features like pre-warm a bed at a specific time and shut off at the set time, help in avoiding fatal fire related accidents. The temperature control feature senses the changes in the skin and adjusts the temperature accordingly. In this article, we discuss the reasons for fire in electric blankets and the safety tips to avoid fire.
Why Do Electric Blankest Catch on Fire?
The electric blankets are prone to fire despite the fact that they are infused with the latest technology. The reasons for fire could be multiple. Here are some of the factors that may contribute to the fire.
Electrical Malfunctions
Electrical malfunction could be one of the reasons for fire in electric blankets that can happen due to manufacturing defects, wear and tear owing to its age and damage to the internal wiring system.
Thermal Overheating
Thermal overheating is caused when a blanket is left for too long on a high setting or due to heat getting trapped when a heated blanket is covered with some object. This results in damage to the blanket’s wiring and fabric and risk of fire hazard to the items kept in the surrounding area.
Why Do Electric Blankest Catch on Fire?
The old model electric blankets pose higher risk of fire due to degraded electrical insulation. The age of the blanket too affects the intensity of the potential risk.
Wrong Use
Improper use of the blanket like folding it too tightly and keeping heavy weight items over them could increase the risk of fire.
Continuous Use
Blankets made to use at lower temperature or for limited periods, when used at a high setting for too long can cause fire due to overheating.
Damaged Blanket Due to Wear and Tear
An exposed wire in the blanket or any other sign of damage should never be ignored because that can turn out to be the biggest reason for fire.
Safety Tips to Avoid Fire in Electric Blankets
Unplug the Blanket Before Going to Bed
Turn on the electric blanket sometime before you plan to go to bed to warm up the bed for comfort and turn off the plug before you step on the bed for safe and relaxed sleep. It will rule out the risk of fire.
Proper Maintenance
To avoid the possibility of fire, it’s vital to properly clean and store the blanket. Keep an eye on the worn out areas or any cracks or breaks in the wire. If you notice any such sign of damage, throw out the blanket immediately.
Keep Pets Away From the Blanket
Pets have a habit of nibbling wires exposing you to fire hazard or risk of shock, so keep pets away from the wires of the blanket.
Smart Storage
It is one of the most important safety tips to avoid fire in the electric blanket. Never fold the blanket, rather roll it. Rolling prevents damage to the wires inside the blanket which usually cause overheating and spark.
Be Careful With Cords
Try not to run electric wire under the rug or route it between the mattresses and box spring as a precautionary measure to avoid fire. Never pinch wire by the bed frame, walls, bed slats or floorboards to prevent fire hazard.
Buy Branded Products Approved by Testing Agencies
Testing agencies lay down safety standards and conduct independent tests for various products. Electric blankets with a logo indicate that the blanket has been tested for safety requirements. Avoid buying blankets from a second hand shop.
Look for Blankets With Heat Sensors
A blanket with heat sensors can monitor the temperature and adjust it accordingly or shut down the power supply, if it detects any absurd pattern. It’s a smart way to prevent fire hazards.
Other Tips
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Never keep heavy weight items on top of the rolled blanket.
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Read the washing instructions carefully. The dryer cycle may turn and twist the coil resulting in damage, so avoid spinning as far as possible.
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Use a storage bag to store the rolled blanket.
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Inspect the blanket regularly for early identification of any wear and tear.
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Check for loose wire connections which can be fatal.
Conclusion
An electric blanket may catch fire, if not handled properly. If you follow the safety instructions discussed above in this article, you may avoid the risk of fire. Understanding the cause of fire in the blanket and exploring reasonable precautions can easily avoid the fire hazards. Moreover, it depends on the efficiency with which precautionary measures are implemented.
