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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
  • 0

    Never had the radiator in my bedroom on in thirty years of living in the house.  

    Seems ridiculous to heat over a thousand cubic feet of room to keep six cubic feet of person warm

    Equally ridiculous to spend large sums of money on insulating the room when insulating the bed is both cheaper and more effective.

    I do miss the ice on the inside of the windows which was a feature of my childhood. 

Reply
  • 0

    Never had the radiator in my bedroom on in thirty years of living in the house.  

    Seems ridiculous to heat over a thousand cubic feet of room to keep six cubic feet of person warm

    Equally ridiculous to spend large sums of money on insulating the room when insulating the bed is both cheaper and more effective.

    I do miss the ice on the inside of the windows which was a feature of my childhood. 

Children
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