Free electric blanket testing for a safer night’s sleep

Tuesday 20 October 2015

You'll be able to get your blankets checked for free today and tomorrow to help you get a safer night's sleep.

Firefighters are working with Jersey Electricity again this year to try and reduce the risk of fires caused by an electrical fault.

They are offering free blanket safety testing at the Western Fire Station in St Brelade between 9am and 3pm. If your blanket fails the test Jersey Electricity’s engineers will get rid of it for you but they say if your electric blanket has been keeping you warm at night for more than a decade it's probably time you got a new one anyway.

The Fire Service say blankets should conform to the British Standard and should carry the new style kite mark or current European Standard mark on either the label or flex and they should be serviced once a year.

They say blankets should be kept dry and stored flat or rolled, ideally under your mattress, because folding or creasing them can damage the wiring inside and could cause overheating.

Here’s some more of their advice to keep you safe and your blanket in tip top condition:

• When the blanket is on the bed, make sure that the lead and the switch hang freely and that the flex is not twisted, coiled or laid across the blanket or tucked under the mattress or covers. 

• Don’t use a blanket with scorch marks or exposed elements or one that is soiled.

• Check the blanket, flex and plug regularly for detached tie strings, frayed edges, damaged insulation and loose electrical connections. 

• If your blanket gets wet, dry it thoroughly before switching it on again - don't switch it on to dry it.

• Never use an under blanket over you or an over blanket under you.

• Never use two or more electric blankets one on top of the other.

• Don't buy second-hand blankets - they may not be safe to use.

• Don't use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket.