Do Electric Blankets Catch on Fire? Safety Suggestions

Electric blankets use power cords to heat the fabric. While they’re quite comfortable, these blankets are known to get a bit too hot for some people. The excessive heat combined with warm power cables could make consumers wonder if their electric blankets can spark or cause fires.

Electric blankets can catch on fire if they’re plugged into faulty outlets or if they’re left on for longer than an hour. Old electric blankets have wiring issues that can increase the risk of fire damage. Never fold or cover the blanket’s electrical cord when it’s plugged in.

While electric blankets can catch on fire, there are numerous ways to avoid these problems. Thousands of people use electric blankets every year without dealing with fire hazards. Today, we’ll explain everything you need to know about electric blanket safety precautions.

What Causes an Electric Blanket to Catch on Fire?

Electric blankets catch on fire if they’re old, worn, or not stored properly. Bending or wrapping the cord will make it susceptible to fires. You should also avoid tucking the power cord under blankets and other insulating materials.

Here are five reasons why your electric blanket can be a fire risk:

1. Leaving your electric blanket on for longer than half an hour can cause it to overheat. Most electric blankets shouldn’t stay on your skin for longer than 20 minutes. Much like leaving a space heater plugged in, a hot electric blanket is a fire hazard.
2. Bent, broken, and damaged cables will reveal the internal wiring, causing it to burn the blanket. Make sure you leave the cable as flat as possible; otherwise, creases will loosen the wires. Once this happens, the wires will break and create electric arcs.
3. Some electric blankets use a positive temperature coefficient that can lead to electrical arcing inside the blanket. There’s a thermostat that’s supposed to tell the blanket when it’s too hot, but electric arcing will prevent it from working.
4. Using an old or ripped electric blanket will undoubtedly increase the chances of it catching on fire. Toss your electric blanket once it gets older than five to ten years (or however long the manufacturer claims it’ll last). You could also get rid of the electric blanket when the warranty expires to prevent it from catching on fire.
5. Low-quality electric blankets without an ETL certification aren’t designed to prevent fires. Electrical Testing Laboratory certification ensures the safety of electric blankets and many other products. Without the verification, you’ll be risking getting an electric blanket that can combust.

If you want a high-quality, ETL-certified electric blanket, try the VEOHAUT Heated Blanket. This throw blanket comes in multiple sizes, ranging from 50 x 60 inches to 84 x 90 inches. Its safety features include an auto-shutoff that stops it from heating after three hours, as well as an Electric Testing Laboratory certificate.

How Likely Is It for an Electric Blanket to Catch Fire?

It’s very unlikely for an electric blanket to catch on fire if it’s used properly and stored correctly. Electric blankets make up less than 500 annual fires, compared to over 360,000 home fires. Since millions of people have electric blankets, the odds are quite slim.

The National Fire Protection Agency estimates about 0.04% of fires come from electric blankets. This number assumes the blankets are being used incorrectly. By storing your electric blanket without folding the internal and external cords, you’ll greatly reduce its fire risk.

Always Unplug an Electric Blanket for Storage

It’s best to unplug an electric blanket whenever you’re not using it. If you accidentally turn it on, you might not know that it needs to be turned off. Electric blankets that heat for too long can catch on fire. Fortunately, some of them have auto-shutoff thermostats and timers.

Keep the Power Cord Out of Blankets

Electric blanket power cords can get quite hot if they’re tucked under an insulated surface (yes, this includes the blanket itself). The cord should be exposed and sitting on top of anything in its way. Once you’re done using it, unplug it and lay the cord flat on top of the electric blanket.

Dispose of Torn Electric Blankets

Minor tears can expose electrical wires in your electric blanket. This means they’re open to moisture, changing temperatures, and more. If you notice a fabric tear right when it happens, you can sew it shut. Other than that, it’s not worth risking the electric blanket going up in flames.

Can You Leave an Electric Blanket on All Night?

You can’t leave an electric blanket on all night because it can get too hot, catch on fire, or burn your skin. However, you can set your electric blanket on a 20-minute timer and keep the blanket on top of you once it turns off. Don’t forget to unplug it when the timer deactivates.

Another reason you can’t leave an electric blanket on all night is that you might accidentally roll over on top of the electric cord. Not only does this potentially cause fire hazards, but it also increases the odds of getting shocked.

If you’re determined to leave an electric blanket on all night, consider this method:

1. Plug a timer into the outlet, then plug the electric blanket into the timer.
2. Set the timer on a cycle that shuts off for an hour every 20 minutes.
3. Lay the electric blanket on top of you with the cord exposed.

While I recommend unplugging the electric blanket when you’re asleep, this timer suggestion will prevent the blanket from burning you or getting too hot. You can also use this tip to make a space heater last longer.

Note: Don’t put another blanket on top of an electric blanket. Not only will it cover the cord and cause an electrical fire, but it’ll also burn your skin. The heat needs to be able to escape through the top of an electric blanket.