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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.
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    I have both a mains electric blanket and a 12 volt one, but neither is regularly used. AND I dont have central heating.

    I leave the spare bed made up ready for use, with an electric blanket placed between the top and bottom sheets. This is used for a few hours BEFORE a guest arrives in case the bedding has got cold or damp. Then removed.

     

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    from that point on understood the disadvantages of British (and US for that matter) bed covering habits, namely tucked-in sheets. 

    The advantage of a number of thinner sheets however, is apparent when you come to wash the bedding, and then have to try to dry it in front of the fireplace because it is raining outside.  Especially if you have small children or pets, you may not be able to choose laundry day.

    Germany is of course drier, both in summer and winter.

    The tumble drier is a great social equalizer, allowing duvets, or continental quilts as my parents still rather quaintly call them, but it is also a great user of the kW.hrs.

    Mike.

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    I do not like duvets.

    Not warm enough in severe weather, can be too warm in mild weather. Often too short. I prefer a top sheet and blankets, but spread over the bed not tucked in.

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