I've got an electric heating pad with dual controls for our king size bed...
by
Larry
+13
one side, about 6" from controls, has some of the wire stripped to where there is exposed wire (about an inch by a 32nd, not much). My wife is worried about this, though I have offered to cut and rewire the entire section. I need an electricion to convince her that simply wrapping electrical tape will suffice and bring as new (or if there is something I am missing, let me know). She's worried about a fire starting while we are in bed. Thanks for your help ahead of time- pic attached
16 answers
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If based on the photo that you shared, you can fix this using rubber tape followed by electrical tape, All coverings over any cuts or spices should be at least as thich as the wiring coating that is currently covering the good parts of the wire. You can purchase white electrical tape so the repair will not look bad also.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 28, 2011
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I'm in agreement with Woodbridge and if Wifey wants a brand new one.. Here's one way! best to ya...and you can always snuggle up for winter fun! Best wishes ...JL
JL Spring & Associates
on Oct 28, 2011
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As an ex-fireman I was scared about the direction of your question - trying to save a few bucks with a known electrical problem. But then I looked at the picture. I totally agree with Woodbridge... although JL's last idea wasn't so bad either!
Roger S
on Oct 29, 2011
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I would ditch the electric pad all together....voluntarily exposing your self to additional EMF radiation is not good. Studies have been completed and found that there may be increased risk of cancer due to EMF exposure. This quote is from an osha.gov web site. Public concern about EMF and cancer was simulated by a 1979 study in Denver, Colo., that found that a group of children had died from leukemia and other cancers were two to three times more likely to have lived within 131 feet of a high current electrical transmission or distribution line. A 1995 publication lists 14 such studies - eight of them showing a possible link to some cancers but only four of them at levels considered statistically significant. The nine studies considered best by the panel were used for their evaluation. The concern eventually encompassed electric blankets for children and other appliances, as well as the wiring in homes and the very high levels of EMF in some industries." We routinely keep our house "cool" by most standards (60 to 65 degrees) and the use of a down comforter or added quilt is all that is needed.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 29, 2011
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Some electrical supply houses can provide a gel sleeve you can use on that wiring which will ensure your Lovely will sleep without worry! One product name is "GelWrap" which can quickly and conveniently insulate and seal it. Of course, Larry, this is an INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH solution, but hey... you don't want her electrocuted in her sleep, right?
Ricardo B
on Oct 29, 2011
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Thanks for all the input... I used liquid electrical tape, then the heat wrap, then white electrical tape. Overkill I know, but hey, it is for the family.
Larry
on Oct 30, 2011
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Glad to see you got that fixed quickly and with the right materials, better overkill than killed. If I'm seeing what I think I'm seeing, with a polarized plug, that is the HOT wire that's bare. What a shocking development that would have been.
Midlantic Contracting LLC / Midlantic Electric Inc
on Oct 31, 2011
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Ok, so we installed to use, and it doesn't seem to be heating up correctly on either side (there are dual controls, plugs, etc.). We purchased in Jan 09, and really only use to heat up the bed, then turn off when go to bed. Any thoughts of why, when worked fine at end of last year, now it seems to not work correctly?
Larry
on Oct 31, 2011
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A heating blanket is much like a heating element for a electric radiant floor heating system. The "element" is a wire that warms when current is applied to it. (Just like the wires or filimant in a toaster or light bulb) unlike a heating element that is buired in concrete , tile etc. the element in a blanket see motion and can be bent folded, etc. This bending may have caused the "wire" to break somewhere in the middle of the blanket. When I install electric radiant floor systems I check the "mat" with a volt meter to check the mats "resistance" this measurement in Ohms will stay constant. If the mats wires get cut or damaged this reading will change...or give an "open" curcuit reading. you could "test" your balnket to see if you have a broken wire or "open" circuit.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 31, 2011
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At this point if the splice that you performed is ok, Then there is something else wrong with the blanket, making it unsafe to use. As KMS said. These elements can become damaged by a tight fold or even incorrect cleaning process. Throw it away at this point and buy another one. As any other damage cannot be safely repaired.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 31, 2011
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Thanks for the advice. I hate to throw away $80 bucks after two years, but will if have to. As far as an ohm check, each side is on an unrealted circuit, so would need to check both- not sure though where to check them from- from where the electrical plugs in to the actual blanket? I have the equipment, and know how to work (just like a waterheater element check)
Larry
on Oct 31, 2011
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Larry, Throw the electric blanket away. We use a regular heating pad to warm up the queen's side of the bed on those cool evenings. It takes the chill off. She jumps into bed, turns off and removes the pad. Body heat and a warm blanket/comforter is all we need from there.....
Hewitt Remodeling Services LLC
on Oct 31, 2011
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Larry...the ohm check should be performed on the "heating" element itself which would mean dissecting the controls to get beyond the "on/off" switch. Typically these are not designed for this and are more of a pain in the butt. I would diagnosis the problem ...then toss the whole she bang. The diagnosis would ease my curious mind thats all. Personally I not a fan of electric blankets or pads. And find it curious that people still use them. Getting in a cool bed is not really that big of a deal...after all it only takes a minute or so to warm up the bed once you get in...To quote a famous line from my brother on one of our hikes...."suck it up...buttercup" Back in ancient times some pioneers used a "bed warmer" that consisted of a metal pan that coals form the fireplace were loaded into...this was then moved about under the blankets to warm the bed...it seems like a crazy fire risk to me. A more modern alternative may be a "hot water" bottle.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 31, 2011
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Ok, thanks for all the help- it's appreciated. I'll have to replace, though, as originally being from Fla (and we had a fireplace and I had a blanket then also), I'm still not acclimated to the cold.
Larry
on Oct 31, 2011
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Larrry...here it is again...JL
JL Spring & Associates
on Oct 31, 2011
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Is your& your wife's life not worth more than $80?
Barbara C
on Nov 22, 2014
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