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How safe are 12 volt electric blankets ?

broadgage
Modern mains voltage electric blankets have a reasonable safety record if not misused.

But what about the 12 volt ones ? At such a low voltage there is virtualy no risk of a dangerous electric shock, but what about fire risk ? Are there any product safety standards, and are these enforced.


Are the heating elements of the self regulating PTC type, or just a simple length of resistance wire. Is there any requirement for the covering to be fire retardent ?


Slightly concerned to hear that friends are useing these regularly on childrens beds. (off grid home, no mains electricity) They are used in conjunction with wool blankets (naturaly fire retardent) and cotton sheets (moderatly flammable)

The running current is about 4 to 4.5 amps and the supply is from a 12 volt, 16 amp small power circuit with a 5 amp fuse in the plug.
Parents
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    Update re this. 

    The 12 volt electric blankets are no longer used, no specific danger was observed but continued use seemed like an avoidable risk.

    The loft insulation has been improved, and warmer bedding supplied.

    Winter bedding=brushed cotton sheets and three thick wool blankets. Children have decided that blankets have to be  N.O.S from Poland VIA fleabay because “it is very cold in Poland”

Reply
  • 0

    Update re this. 

    The 12 volt electric blankets are no longer used, no specific danger was observed but continued use seemed like an avoidable risk.

    The loft insulation has been improved, and warmer bedding supplied.

    Winter bedding=brushed cotton sheets and three thick wool blankets. Children have decided that blankets have to be  N.O.S from Poland VIA fleabay because “it is very cold in Poland”

Children
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