Seasonal safety
Electric blankets & portable heaters
Two of the biggest causes of winter house fires in the UK — and both are entirely avoidable. Here is what to check every autumn before you switch anything back on.
Warning signs — stop using immediately
Scorch marks, a burning or fishy smell, a warm controller, exposed elements, a discoloured flex, or a plug that is hot to the touch. Unplug at the wall, do not roll the blanket up, and replace the unit.
Electric blankets — five rules
Replace any blanket over 10 years old
Elements dry out, insulation cracks and the internal thermostat drifts. Even if it still works, a 10-year-old blanket is at the end of its safe life — replace it.
Have it tested every 3 years
Age Age UK and many local Trading Standards teams run free electric-blanket testing events every autumn. A registered electrician can also PAT-test it against BS EN 60335-2-17.
Bin it if you see any of these
Scorch marks, exposed wires, damaged flex or plug, worn or frayed fabric, a burning smell, discoloured patches or a controller that runs unusually hot. Do not attempt to repair — replace.
Never use with a hot water bottle
A leaking bottle onto a live blanket causes an immediate shock and fire risk. Use one or the other, not both.
Store rolled, not folded
Sharp folds crack the internal element wires. Roll the blanket loosely for summer storage and keep it in a dry cupboard, never under a heavy box.
Portable heaters — three non-negotiables
Buy Kitemarked with a tip-over cut-out
Any portable heater sold in the UK must carry a BS/EN mark and be fitted with an automatic cut-out that trips within seconds if the unit is knocked over or overheats. Cheap unbranded fan heaters often lack this — check before you buy.
1 metre clear on all sides
Keep at least 1 metre between the heater and curtains, bedding, sofas, papers, boxes and mobility aids. Never dry clothes on or over a heater. Never sleep with a fan heater running unattended.
Straight into a wall socket — never an extension lead
A 2kW heater draws around 8.7A on its own — add anything else on the same lead and you are past the 13A / 3,000W limit. Heaters must plug directly into a wall socket on their own circuit where possible.
Prefer fixed heating instead?
Paul installs fixed panel heaters, thermostatic bathroom radiators and dedicated 20A radials for larger portable loads — safer and cheaper to run than an old fan heater.