On a cold winter night, there’s nothing better than snuggling in a warm bed. One very simple method of having that bed warm and inviting is the use of an Electric Blanket. An Electric Blanket is a blanket with an integrated electrical heating device usually placed above the top bed sheet. Another variation of the Electric Blanket is the electric mattress pad, which is placed below the bottom bed sheet. Electric Blanket usually have a control unit which adjusts the amount of heat the blanket produces. Blankets for larger sized beds often have separate controls for each side of the bed. The Electric Blanket may be used to pre-heat the bed before use or to keep the occupant warm while in bed.

The concept for the Electric Blanket was developed in 1912 by American physician Sidney I. Russell. In the 1920s, the Thermega under blanket was manufactured in Britain. Electric over blankets were introduced in the United States in 1937. In 1970, the Thermega Company brought a blanket heated by the circulation of warm water to the market Modern Electric Blanket has carbon fiber wires. These blankets usually work on 24 volts instead of the 110/240 volts. Therefore, they are advertised as being a safer, more efficient and more comfortable alternative.

Because of the combination of heat, electricity, the abundance of flammable bedding and a sleeping person use of Electric Blankets are important for fire safety officials internationally. Of primary concern are blankets that are older than 10 years and / or have suffered injuries as curling, bending, fraying, or ordinary wear and tear. In Britain it is estimated that 5,000 fires a year are caused by faulty Electric Blankets, of which 99% is believed to be caused by blankets 10 years or older.

Electric Blanket also presents a risk to burn those who can not feel pain or are unable to respond to it. Individuals included in this group are small children, diabetics and the elderly.