South Yorkshire Fire And Rescue


Electric Blankets

CHECKING your Electric Blanket
Electric blankets cause more than 5,000 fires a year. But there are simple ways to stop that happening to you. If your blanket (or its flex) shows any of these danger signs, you should have it checked or replaced:

  • Fraying fabric
  • Scorch marks
  • Exposed elements
  • Creasing or folding
  • Soiling
  • Damp patches
  • Tie tapes damaged or missing
  • Worn flex
  • Loose connections
  • An old BEAB safety mark - a round symbol (the new sign is white capital letters on a black background). This means it is more than 10 years old.
TESTING your Electric Blanket
Make sure your blanket is tested by an expert at least every three years. You can ask the shop where you bought it about testing and servicing, or contact the trading standards department at your local council - they often have free testing days.

You should replace your electric blanket at least every 10 years.
Don't buy a second-hand blanket. Look for the British or European standard and make sure it has a safety certification mark. Make sure the blanket has an overheat protection.

If in doubt... Chuck it out! A new blanket costs from about £15 but it's worth it. Electric blankets cause more than 5,000 fires a year.

Community Fire Safety
Hotline & Minicom ...

0114 2532314