Electric shock from electric blanket? A damaged, worn-out or faulty blanket has the potential to give someone an electric shock. It might also indicate other problems with your home electrical system which I will try to cover in this post.
Why Is Your Electric Blanket Shocking You
You will get a shock from an electric blanket by making contact with an electrically live conductive surface (such as a bed frame touching a live wire) and the ground.
As water is conductive, you could also get a shock if a liquid was spilled on the electric blanket controller, for example.
Typically, modern electric blankets are double insulated meaning that there is no earth wire and the live wires are isolated by multiple layers of insulation to prevent people from physically touching any live parts.
If someone has gotten a shock it means that the electric blanket is probably old, worn-out, faulty and needs to be replaced.
When someone gets a shock the electrical current enters and exits the body depending on where they touch the live wire and where the earth is.
For example, the current could enter through someone’s finger touching a live wire and exit out of their feet touching the ground.
The severity of an electric shock depends on how strong the electrical current is and how long someone is exposed to the electric shock. If someone is exposed to a strong shock for longer it becomes much more hazardous or even fatal. How the electrical current travels through someone’s body is also important, especially if it passes through any vital organs.
It goes without saying that if your electric blanket is giving you a shock you should throw it away immediately.
Electric Shock From Electric Blanket? – Reason #1
General Blanket Condition
Firstly, it is important to only use an electric blanket that is approved for use and is in good physical condition. Before checking the condition of the electric blanket make sure that you have it unplugged from the wall socket to avoid any further electric shocks. If the blanket has an ammonia or fishy smell it could indicate an electrical fault.
Check the electric blanket for any exposed metal or wires from being worn out or old.
Electric Shock From Electric Blanket? – Reason #2
Electric Blanket Controller
The electric blanket controller casing should be in good condition without damage. There should be any wires exposed or open gaps into the controller. There should not be any loose wires going in and out of the controller either.
Electric Shock From Electric Blanket? – Reason #3
Electric Blanket Plug
The plug for the electric blanket should not be damaged or have loose or missing prongs.
Electric Shock From Electric Blanket? – Reason #4
Wall Socket Where Electric Blanket Was Plugged Into
The socket which the plug is plugged into should also be in good condition and not show any sign of damage, melting, or failure.
Electric Shock From Electric Blanket? – Reason #5
RCD Protection
The electrical outlet where the blanket is plugged into should also be protected by an RCD or ‘residual current device’. This ensures that if the risk of an electric shock occurs due to a faulty blanket, the RCD will ‘trip’ turning off power to the circuit preventing anyone from getting a shock. In older homes, wired before the invention of RCDs, there is not likely to be any protection. It’s a good idea to check your switchboard to see whether there are RCD’s installed and if there aren’t any, talk to your electrician about installing some.
Conclusion
Electric shock from electric blanket? If you want to find out the reason why you got a shock. Unplug the blanket from the wall socket and check the condition of the blanket. If you see any exposed metal on the blanket, a damaged controller, loose wires in the controller or a damaged plug then it is time to throw the blanket out.
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