Denbighshire Trading Standards holds successful free electric blanket testing events

Denbighshire trading standards service offered residents free electric blanket testing and free replacement blankets this past winter.

The testing events took place during December to February in three different areas of the county.

During the 3 sessions held, a total of 77% of the electric blankets tested failed. One of the main reasons for the failures was due to the age of the blankets, with several blankets brought for testing over 20 years old, and one blanket being 50 years old.

Another reason for failures was the heating elements within the blankets coming loose and collecting in one area of the blanket which presents a risk of fire.  

The funding granted to Trading Standards allowed residents whose electric blanket failed the safety testing to receive a brand-new replacement blanket of a same size.

Around 43 fires a year are caused by faulty electric blankets in the home. They should be stored flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring and should be replaced at least every 10 years.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said:

“Consumer Protection is a priority area for the Public Protection. Wear and tear on these products is inevitable and faulty electric blankets pose a significant fire risk. It is good to see that residents have made good use of the opportunity to have these items tested. We look forward to building on the success of this work in the future.”