Approximately 30,000 Berkshire Blanket Heated Throws and Blankets (branded as L.L. Bean) in various colors and patterns were recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission after being sold at several stores and online. The recall pertains to twin, full/queen, and king-sized blankets.
RECALLED HEATED BLANKETS
#18807 or E0551: Sold at Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) stores nationwide and online at berkshireblanket.com, amazon.com, target.com, macys.com and qvc.com from August 2022 through October 2023.
Sunbeam heated blankets and throws undergo strict and extremely thorough testing procedures, making them the safest and most trusted heated blankets available.
In March 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a Sunbeam Queen Size Heated Blanket recall, impacting about 43,000 units sold in the U.S., according to the lawsuit.
The following steps are recommended if your product does not seem to be heating: Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Check that the control is tightly connected to the module in the blanket. Re-plug the power cord into the wall outlet.
Thermophore® heating pads are weighted with lead inside. If torn open you should stop using them as they can expose you to lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Functionality: Heated throws are portable and versatile, ideal for lounging. Electric blankets are tailored for bed use, providing consistent warmth for sleeping. Size: Throws are smaller and typically fit one person, while electric blankets come in sizes to match your bed—single, double, king, you name it.
Electric Blankets should be replaced every 10 years and tested every 2 years by a qualified electrician. Always check your blanket for scorch marks, water damage, mould or exposed wires. If you see any of these on your blanket do not use it, replace it.
Finding the model number
The model numbers of Sunbeam products can usually be found on the back, bottom, or body of the product. Please remember that model numbers are usually embedded into plastics and may be hard to read.
Issue: The control unit may have internal power handling issues, which can manifest as a flashing 'P', indicating that the unit is not properly managing its power. Solution: Reset the control unit by unplugging the blanket for a few minutes. If the issue persists, the control unit may need to be inspected or replaced.
Wool Blankets: Place a wool blanket over the sheet. Wool is excellent at trapping heat and wicking away moisture, keeping you dry and warm. Additional Layers: Depending on the level of warmth needed, add another layer such as a fleece or another wool blanket.
However, you should always ensure that cords are tucked away from rambunctious pets who may be tempted to chew or play with them. Electric blankets are not suitable for elderly relatives if they have any cognitive impairments such as dementia or Alzheimers.
Burns and fires are a risk, though today's blankets are much safer than their early predecessors. Since the late 1980s, electric bedding in the U.S. has been designed to emit much less heat (older models put out higher wattages and contributed to household fires and other problems).
Heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year. Almost all of these fires involve electric blankets that are more than ten years old.
Electric blankets should never be left unattended when turned on. But, can you leave an electric blanket on all night? We don't recommend sleeping with an electric blanket on all night and a thermostatic control or timer should be used if you choose to leave your electric blanket on.
While electric blankets are still used by many, some people are concerned about their safety. This can include the risk of overheating or fire hazards. Plus, advancements in home heating systems and cooling and heating mattress pads have made electric blankets less necessary.
If your controller is making a buzzing sound, or if it starts to smell like burning, this is a sign that there's a fault with your electric blanket control.
The consumption of energy depends on its wattage, typically between 15 to 115 watts. If you're based in the U.S., you might be charged around 13 cents per kWh. So, if your electric blanket consumes 100 watts and you use it for 10 hours a day, that will cost about 13 cents.
Advantages of getting an electric blanket
There are low upfront costs of £20-£80 for an electric blanket, compared to thousands for central heating, and they are very cheap to operate (typically 1-4p per hour used). Electric blankets also provide direct, targeted warmth without heating empty rooms.
Company Announcement. Boston, MA, October 18, 2022 / PRNewswire / – Whele LLC, of Boston, MA, is voluntarily recalling its Mighty Bliss Electric Heating Pad, due to product safety concerns. Use of this product may lead to burns, mild shocks, or rashes/irritation.
These products are designed for use while you are awake and can pose a serious fire risk if left unattended while you are sleeping. Using a heating pad or electric blanket while you are sleeping can pose a significant fire risk, as you may not be aware if the product overheats or malfunction.