Home safety
Electric blanket testing
We carry out free electric blanket safety checks for West Oxfordshire residents as part of a countywide scheme which involves Trading Standards and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Of the 920 electric blankets tested at last year’s events, 338 failed safety assessments - a failure rate of 36.7 per cent, which is an increase from the previous year.
The next electric blanket testing will be on 24 September in Chipping Norton, and on the 8 October at Woodgreen, Witney. Appointments are available to book here.
BOOKING INFORMATION
To book your safety check appointment call 01865 895999 Option 3 or email: [email protected]
Safety check appointments must be pre-booked and are done on a first-come, first served basis.
Reasons for testing electric blankets
Old or damaged blankets cause more than 5,000 fires a year with blankets over 10 years old causing 99% of these fires. Each year about 20 people are killed and 100 injured in these fires. The danger signs are:
- Worn or frayed fabric
- Scorch marks
- Tie tapes (if originally fitted) damaged or missing
- Worn or damaged flex
- Loose electrical connections
- Damaged or displaced heating wires - hold the blanket up to the light to check
If your electric blanket is more than 10 years old or showing signs of wear and tear, the best advice is to get a new one. When buying a new electric blanket:
-
always buy new
-
look out for a European Certification Mark such as the new BEAB safety mark.
Electric blanket test results
The test results for previous year's electric blanket testing in Oxfordshire are shown in the table below.
| Year | Tested | Failed |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 920 | 338 |
| 2024 | 743 | 223 |
| 2023 | 769 | 269 |
| 2022 | 627 | 180 |
| 2021 | 747 | 230 |
| 2020 | 756 | 159 |
| 2019 | 622 | 107 |
| 2018 | 661 | 132 |
| 2017 | 830 | 200 |
| 2016 | 831 | 177 |
| 2015 | 169 | 31 |
| 2014 | 191 | 34 |
How Safe Is Your Electric Blanket Leaflet - pdf - 2.01 Mb