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Mattress & Bed Tips :: Electric Mattress Pad
Electric Mattress Pad: Electric Heated Mattress Pad Safety Regulations
An electric mattress pad is a plug-in, heated bed designed to warm up your bed and you on cold, winter nights. But, how safe are they? What sort of safety regulation tests must they pass before they can be sold in the United States? Can they catch fire?
For answers to your safety questions and a greater understanding of how an electric mattress pad works, please keep reading.
Low Voltage Means Low Risk
An electric mattress pad has to operate at a low voltage (typically less than 25 volts) before it’s deemed safe. These low voltages are not only great for energy efficiency, but they also dramatically decrease the risk for fires or electrical shorts.
In essence, leaving an electric mattress pad is no more dangerous than leaving an alarm clock radio turned on. Low voltage also means your heating pad will never overheat. The pad will make your bed feel warm and cozy, not so hot that it could burn you.
Automatic Shut-Off Features
Because electric mattress pads have a heating element, they must also come with an auto shut-off feature. Most will shut themselves off after 10 hours, but other models and styles come with programmable timers – allowing you to set the turn-off time.
Slower Speed Equals Slower Risks
An electric mattress pad will take longer to warm up than an electric blanket and it won’t get as hot, but it doesn’t have to. Because mattress pads are trapped under the blankets and your body, they actually trap the heat – creating a cocoon of cozy warmth.
Because they work at lower temperatures, they’re also significantly safer. There are no hot spots, burning dangers or chances for fire.
Recessed Connectors
Electric mattress pads must have recessed cord connectors before they can be sold. This feature allows consumers to take the plug out when they want to wash their mattress pad and then make sure it’s securely connected again before they turn it back on. It also protects people against shock as they can’t touch the plug connectors when they’re “half in.”
Remember to always wash your electric mattress pad, don’t dry clean it. The chemicals and cleaning fluids can actually damage the unit.
Stricter Flammability Standards
According to Consumer Reports’ magazine, mattress pads as a whole are significantly less flammable than electric blankets. These tests were done by dropping a lighted cigarette and a lighted match on a number of electric bed products. The heated mattress pads all passed with flying colors.
Nylon Threading
Today, an electric mattress pad doesn’t use actual wiring. Instead they use nylon threading which conducts the heat. It’s significantly safer, not prone to shorts and won’t burn you or electrocute you.
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