SAFETY
Are Electric Blankets Dangerous? A Winter Safety Guide
Electric blankets are safe when they're in good condition — the risk comes from age, damage, and wear that isn't always obvious until something fails. Here's what to check, when to stop using one, and where testing fits for blankets used in aged care, accommodation, and healthcare settings.
Published 29 July 2026
Reviewed by Fadi Raslan, licensed technician (TTT69067)
Most electric blanket incidents come down to the same handful of causes: a cord or plug that's been damaged, an internal heating element that's degraded with age, or a blanket that's been folded and creased in the same spots for years, which stresses the wiring inside. None of these are obvious from the outside — a blanket can look fine and still be unsafe underneath.
Warning signs to check before you use one
- ✓Visible fraying, cracking, or exposed wire on the cord or plug
- ✓Scorch marks, discolouration, or a burning smell
- ✓Uneven heating, or patches that feel hotter or cooler than the rest
- ✓The blanket feels different to the touch in specific spots — a possible sign of internal damage
- ✓It's been folded and stored the same way for several winters in a row
- ✓There's no manufacturer date, or it's well past the usable lifespan printed on the care label
If any of these apply, stop using the blanket. Most manufacturers print a recommended usable lifespan on the care label — that's the figure to go by rather than a general rule of thumb, since it varies by brand and model.
Where test and tag fits — commercial and care settings
In a private home, an electric blanket is a personal item and isn't covered by workplace testing obligations. That changes in a commercial setting. Electric blankets supplied as part of a bed or room in aged care, healthcare, or accommodation are portable electrical equipment, the same as a kettle or a fan — which means they fall under the same AS/NZS 3760 testing regime as the rest of your site's electrical equipment.
We'll confirm the right testing interval for blankets as part of your site's overall schedule, based on a standard risk assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all number.
What we check during a test and tag visit
- ✓A visual inspection of the cord, plug, and casing for damage
- ✓An electrical test using calibrated equipment
- ✓A safety tag showing the test date and next due date
- ✓A same-day digital compliance certificate for your records
Frequently Asked Questions
Do electric blankets need to be tested under AS/NZS 3760?
How do I know if my electric blanket is unsafe?
Do you test electric blankets as part of a standard visit?
How often should electric blankets be tested in a commercial setting?
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