Over two thirds (69%) of electric blankets were found to be unsafe at recent testing events across Nottinghamshire, including one blanket that was 43 years old.
Residents across the county were offered the free safety tests as part of a winter safety and cost of living initiative by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team, in partnership with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. In 2022/23, electric blankets caused three fires in Nottinghamshire, which sadly resulted in two fatalities.
All the blankets that failed safety tests were exchanged for free, for new electric blankets that meet current safety standards. The unsafe blankets failed testing for a variety of reasons including their age, worn fabric, faulty controllers, scorch marks from overheating, dangerous wiring and damaged heating elements.
Many of the blankets that were brought in for testing had un-sleeved plugs. This means they were at least 36 years old, as it’s been a legal requirement since 1987 for all plugs supplied to be sleeved.
Worryingly, one of the blankets found to be unsafe was just a year old. The owner had purchased it from an online selling platform. The plug attached to it didn’t comply with UK laws and the blanket had prominent scorch marks on it; however, the owner had been unaware of these and was shocked to discover she’d been sleeping on a dangerous blanket.
To stop a faulty electric blanket from causing a house fire, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team advises residents to check them regularly. If the electric blanket (or its flex) shows any of these 10 danger signs it needs to be checked by a qualified electrician or replaced:
- Scorch marks
- Fraying fabric
- Exposed elements
- Creasing or folding
- Soiling
- Damp patches
- Tie tapes damaged or missing
- Worn flex
- Loose connections
- An old BEAB safety mark (a round symbol) – this means the blanket is more than 10 years old.
Even without any of these warning signs, it’s recommended that electric blankets are replaced every 10 years.