How to Fix an Electric Blanket? – Step by Step Guide

Disclaimer: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Without Any Extra Cost to You!”

An electric blanket comes with many accessories such as a charger, electrical heating wires, among others. The blankets have a unique feature of regulating the amount of energy transmitted to heat the blanket. Despite its importance, sometimes it may fail to function as usual due to many reasons, such as faulty thermostats, fault heating wires, and power blackout.

There are several precautions and ways of fixing an electric blanket that is not functioning as usual. First, check the condition of the blanket, power supply source, and charger. If the components have issues, try troubleshooting them before proceeding to the next step.

Luckily, the article gives a step-by-step guide on fixing an electric blanket that is not functioning as usual. Also, it shows the root causes of electric blanket issues and the best guidelines when using the blanket.

Table of Contents

Step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot an electric blanket

On frigid winter nights, electric blankets keep you warm and comfortable. They also allow you to dial down your heating system, saving you money on your winter heating expenditures. Even though modern electric blankets are far more technologically advanced than just a few years ago, they occasionally have issues. Try these simple troubleshooting steps to see if you can get your blanket to work again before throwing it away and buying a new one.

Step 1: Unplug the blanket and double-check all connections

Unplug the blanket

 A section of the bead or control unit is frequently ripped loose, indicating that the blanket is not receiving sufficient electricity or heat. After switching off the power supply source, disconnect the electric blanket and try inspecting both the electric blanket and the power source carefully. Reconnect all of the wires and use electrical tape to hold them together.

Step 2: Make sure the blanket is free of any pins or other metal objects

When the electricity is turned on, the blanket will shock you. Remove any metal objects that are fastened to the blanket and mend the hole that results. Ensure all metal objects are absent before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Check the cable with a multimeter to ensure it is not short-circuited or faulty

Insert one multimeter pin into the plug, and connect the other end to the cord’s termination. The cable is in good condition if the multimeter reads zero while testing continuity. If the reading is abnormally high, change the cord. Repeat the process to get accurate multimeter readings.

Step 4: If the fuse in the blanket’s control box blows, replace it

Overheating or hot areas caused by power surges might blow a fuse. If the fuse blows repeatedly, the circuit to which it is connected has too many devices. Place the blanket in a different circuit’s wall outlet.

If the issue persists after replacing the fuse, consider proceeding to the next step of opening the control unit and inspecting all wire connections. While inspecting, it is essential to pay more attention to avoid disrupting the correct wiring, if any.

Step 5: Using a screwdriver, open the control unit and inspect for any loose parts

The thermostat is malfunctioning if the blanket only works in some settings and not others. Ensure you tighten any loose connections inside the thermostat. Also, ensure the thermostat is in good condition and if the blowout, consider replacing the whole thermostat.

Moreover, it is essential to consider many factors before replacing the thermostats, and they include; the quality of the device, cost, functionality, among others. Also, consider the type of blanket you are using and buy one that suits it perfectly.

Causes of the electric blanket not functioning

There are several reasons why an electric blanket may fail to function as usual. The information below states some of the root causes.

1. A fault thermostat with incorrect thermostats settings

If your blanket is not functioning correctly, the problem might be the thermostat. First, inspect the thermostat, including the wiring to see if they are in good condition. Also, check the condition of the thermostat wires.

If the wires are blown out, consider replacing them with one that suits the thermostat perfectly.  Further, if the wires are loose, tighten them using the correct tightening tool. Also, avoid overtightening them as they might break and increase the replacing cost. Finally, consider replacing the whole thermostat if the issue is with the thermostat.

2. Power supply

condition of the electric blanket

Sometimes, the electric blanket is my fault or function due to insufficient charge. The insufficient charge may be a result of a power blackout or battery failure. First, check the condition of the power supply source and ensure there is a constant power supply to charge the blanket.

If there is a power blackout, consider using a backup plan to ensure you have an automatic generator or a UPS to provide power in case there is a power blackout. Also, check the condition of the electric blanket and ensure it is usually charging.

3. The heating wires

Loose wires present in the electric blanket may be loose and prevent power transmission from the power source to the blanket. To fix such issues, first, check if the heating wires are in good condition and if they are heating the blanket.

If they are loose, first tighten the heating wires and test the blanket after tightening them to see if it is heating up. If not, check the wires’ condition and consider replacing them if they are faulty with one that suits the electric blanket perfectly.  When checking the condition of the heating wires, consider checking not only the heating wires but all wires present.

4. The electric blanket usage

If you have used the blanket for more than five years, the blanket might have worn out and failed to function again. In such a situation, it is advisable to replace the blanket with a new one. Also, if you leave the blanket not in use for a longer time, some pets may invade and interfere with the wiring resulting in the blanket failing to function normally.

Guidelines to follow when using an electric blanket

  1. When cleaning your electric blanket, avoid using dry cleaning chemicals because you won’t get enough air. Chemicals used for dry cleaning can harm the heating system.
  2. Avoid ironing your electric blanket. You’re probably going to ruin the electric blanket’s heating mechanism.
  3. Never pinch the electric blanket’s control cord and the heating cables. Avoid using electric blankets in couch beds, adjustable automatic beds, or folding chairs because of this. The cables may get pinched and destroyed.
  4. Avoid placing the electric blanket near any water source. Ensure you keep the electric blanket away from water. It is forbidden to use on waterbeds. In another aspect, young children and the elderly likely to incontinence should not be accommodated in beds where electric blankets are used.
  5. It is recommended that uncomfortable or sick persons do not use electric blankets to prevent problems that might arise from vomiting. Do not contact electric blankets with sharp, penetrating products. Doing so may corrupt the system. You must also keep it away from your pets. Threading or scratching in a possible situation may cause your electric blanket to lose its function.
  6. Avoid using the blanket on incontinent infants, children, or the elderly.
  7. Avoid using electric blankets because they can cause vomiting.
  8. Keep pets that might scratch your blanket away.
  9. Avoid harming materials by piercing, reaming, or piercing. Wrinkling, shrinkage, and collapse that may occur in the bed directly influence the blanket, which is dangerous.
  10. It is harmful to use on sofas or water beds.
  11. While transporting it, avoid pulling on the cable and control cord.
  12. To avoid short-circuiting the built-in electrical system, do not use safety pins or similar metals to secure your bed.
  13.  Store in a cool, dry location.
  14. Use your blanket at mains voltage according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  15. Turn off your blanket while you’re not using it.
  16. At no point should you use more than one electric blanket.
  17. Using an electric blanket and a heating pad at the same time is not a good idea.
  18. If you don’t want your blanket to turn on by accident, don’t connect it to a light switch-controlled outlet.
  19. Avoid washing an electric blanket.
  20. An electric blanket should not be dry-cleaned.
  21. Turn off your blanket if it doesn’t have a timer before you sleep if it doesn’t have one.

Frequently asked questions

How can I reset my electric blanket?

Follow these procedures to reset your electric blanket. Remove the blanket from the outlet first. Check that the control is correctly attached to the module in the second step. If that’s the case, plug your blanket’s power cord back into the outlet and turn it “on.”

If resetting the blanket does not resolve your issue, it is advisable to contact the blanket’s original manufacturer.

Conclusion

As usual, if your electric blanket fails to function, apply the information above and fix the problem instantly. If the problem persists after using the steps above, seek help from a professional technician.

Moreover, it is essential to foll0ow all the guidelines above using the blanket to increase its lifespan. Finally, the guidelines prevent accidents such as electric shock, etc.; therefore, consider all precautions, especially for small children and the elderly.

Leave a Comment