Last Updated on January 24, 2023
It’s the middle of winter, and you’re all snuggled up in your electric blanket, ready to drift off into a cosy sleep. But then… disaster strikes – my electric blanket stopped working! Don’t panic just yet – there are several potential causes behind why this happened and some troubleshooting tips that can help get it back up and running again. In this blog post, we will explore common reasons why my electric blanket stopped working and how to address them so that you can be warm and snug in no time. Plus, when it might be best to call a professional instead of trying DIY fixes on your own.
Table of Contents:
- Common Causes of Electric Blanket Malfunctioning
- Troubleshooting Tips
- When to Call a Professional
- Conclusion
Common Causes Why My Electric Blanket Stopped Working
Electric blankets are an excellent way to stay warm and cosy during the colder months. However, electric blankets can malfunction from time to time due to various reasons. The most common causes of electric blanket malfunctions include power surges, faulty wiring, and worn-out heating elements.
Power Surges: Power surges occur when there is an unexpected increase in voltage that can cause damage to electrical appliances such as electric blankets. This usually happens when lightning strikes nearby or if your electricity supply suddenly increases or decreases unexpectedly. To protect your electric blanket from power surges, you should use surge protectors which will help absorb any sudden spikes in voltage and prevent them from damaging your appliance.
Faulty Wiring: Faulty wiring is another common cause of electric blanket malfunctions. If the wires inside the blanket become loose or damaged, they may not be able to carry enough current which could lead to overheating and eventually a fire hazard. It’s important that you check all the wires regularly for signs of wear and tear so that you can replace them before they become dangerous.
Worn-Out Heating Elements: Over time, the heating elements inside an electric blanket may start to wear out due to constant use over long periods of time, resulting in reduced heat output or complete failure altogether. If this happens, it is best practice not to try repairing it yourself but instead contact a professional who will be able to troubleshoot what is wrong with your appliance safely without risking further damage or injury.
Common causes of electric blanket malfunctioning range from improper wiring to power surges, and understanding these issues can help you determine the best way to troubleshoot your electric blanket. Let’s now look at some tips for troubleshooting your electric blanket.
Troubleshooting Tips
But when they malfunction, it can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. To help you troubleshoot electric blanket malfunctions, here are some tips:
Check the Power Cord: The first thing to do is check the power cord for any damage or fraying. If there is any visible damage, replace the cord immediately as this could cause an electrical fire hazard.
Test Heating Element with Multimeter: If there is no visible damage on the power cord, use a multimeter to test whether or not your heating element is working properly. This involves connecting one end of your multimeter probe to each side of your heating element and checking if it’s producing electricity by measuring voltage levels in volts (V).
Check Temperature Settings: Make sure that you have set your electric blanket temperature settings correctly according to manufacturer instructions. Too high temperatures can lead to overheating which can cause safety issues such as burns or fires, so make sure that you have followed all instructions carefully before using your electric blanket again after adjusting its settings.
Clean Electric Blanket Regularly: It’s important that you clean your electric blanket regularly in order to maintain its performance and prevent dust from accumulating inside it which could interfere with its functioning over time. Use a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner attachment specifically designed for cleaning electronic devices like electric blankets in order to avoid damaging them further while cleaning them up thoroughly at least once every two weeks, depending on usage frequency.
Check the Fuses and Circuit Breakers: Lastly, check the fuses and circuit breakers connected to the outlet where you plug in your electric blanket. These may need replacing if they become worn out due to frequent use of electricity through them over time – especially if they are old ones installed many years ago.
Troubleshooting your electric blanket can help you identify the issue and find a solution quickly. However, if the problem persists, it may be time to call in a professional for further assistance.
When to Call a Professional
When it comes to electric blanket repairs, there are some issues that require professional help. If you notice any visible damage to the power cord, such as fraying or exposed wires, then it is best to call a professional for assistance. Additionally, if your electric blanket is not heating up properly and you suspect that the heating element needs replacing, then this should also be done by a qualified technician.
It is important to note that attempting DIY repairs on an electric blanket can be dangerous due to its electrical components. Therefore it’s always best practice to leave any repairs or maintenance of an electric blanket in the hands of a qualified expert who has experience with these types of appliances.
Another sign that you may need professional help with your electric blanket is if it begins emitting strange odours or smoke when switched on. This could indicate an issue with the wiring, which requires immediate attention from a trained technician in order to avoid potential fire hazards or other safety risks associated with faulty electrical equipment.
If you have recently purchased an electric blanket and find yourself having trouble setting it up correctly, then calling a professional may be beneficial as they can provide advice and guidance on how to best use your appliance safely and efficiently without risking injury or damaging the product itself.
Finally, if your warranty has expired, but you still want peace of mind knowing that all necessary safety checks have been carried out on your device before using it again, then getting in touch with a specialist repair service would certainly provide assurance.
Conclusion
If you’ve followed the steps outlined in this blog post and your electric blanket still isn’t working, it’s time to call a professional. It may be tempting to try and fix the issue yourself, but if you don’t have experience with electrical repairs, it’s best to leave it up to an expert. Remember that when dealing with electricity, safety should always come first! If you’re ever unsure about how to proceed when troubleshooting your electric blanket malfunctioning or any other home appliance issues, contact a qualified technician for help.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.