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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
    12 volt electric blankets are readily available from the usual on line sources.

    Used mainly for camping, and for kids in cars who might otherwise perish of cold on the school run.


    Used on beds of sensible children, the risks are probably small, but I would prefer to better insulate the house, loft insulation and double glazing, and to better insulate the childrens beds, an extra blanket each (thick, all wool, and generously sized)
Reply
  • 0
    12 volt electric blankets are readily available from the usual on line sources.

    Used mainly for camping, and for kids in cars who might otherwise perish of cold on the school run.


    Used on beds of sensible children, the risks are probably small, but I would prefer to better insulate the house, loft insulation and double glazing, and to better insulate the childrens beds, an extra blanket each (thick, all wool, and generously sized)
Children
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