AS/NZS 60335.2.17 Explained
Last updated: October 2026
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Safety and testing of electric blankets
AS/NZS 60335.2.17 sets out particular safety requirements for electric blankets and other flexible electrically heated appliances.
For MegaTest, the appliance electrical testing division of NZ Test Group, it is particularly relevant because assessing an electric blanket involves more than simply carrying out the electrical tests commonly associated with Test & Tag.
What Does AS/NZS 60335.2.17 Cover?
AS/NZS 60335.2.17 deals with the particular safety requirements associated with electric blankets and other flexible heating appliances intended to warm a bed or the human body.
These appliances present some different risks from ordinary electrical equipment because the heating elements and internal wiring are contained within a flexible material that is repeatedly folded, moved and stored.
Why Are Electric Blankets Different From Other Appliances?
An electric blanket contains heating elements distributed through the blanket.
Over time, repeated use, folding, bunching, storage and general wear can damage these internal components even when the outside of the blanket initially appears acceptable.
For this reason, assessing an electric blanket should consider its physical condition, electrical safety and heating performance.
What Is Checked During an Electric Blanket Inspection?
Testing begins with a thorough visual and physical inspection.
The blanket is checked for signs of damage or deterioration, including damaged fabric, scorching, staining, exposed wiring, damaged cords or controllers, and areas where the internal heating elements may have become distorted or displaced. The plug, supply lead, controller and connections are also inspected.
At MegaTest, we place particular emphasis on thermal imaging as part of the inspection process. A conventional Test & Tag can assess aspects of electrical safety, but it cannot show how the heating elements are performing throughout the blanket.
Thermal imaging allows us to examine the heating pattern across the blanket and identify abnormal hot spots, cold areas or irregular heating that may indicate deterioration or damage.
For this reason, MegaTest does not rely on Test & Tag alone as a complete safety assessment of an electric blanket. We combine visual and physical inspection, appropriate electrical testing and thermal imaging to provide a more comprehensive assessment of its condition.
If significant damage is identified during the initial inspection, the blanket may be considered unsafe without proceeding to further testing.
What About Electrical Safety Testing?
Where appropriate, electrical safety testing can be carried out to assess the electrical integrity of the blanket, supply lead and associated components.
The exact tests depend on the construction and electrical classification of the appliance.
These checks complement the physical inspection rather than replacing it.
Why Do We Use Thermal Imaging?
Electric blankets rely on heating elements distributed throughout the blanket, and faults or deterioration can sometimes result in uneven or abnormal heating.
A thermal imaging camera allows us to observe the heating pattern across the blanket while it is operating, rather than relying solely on how the blanket looks or whether it simply feels warm.
This can help identify unusually hot areas, cold areas or irregular heating patterns that may indicate deterioration or damage within the heating elements.
Thermal imaging therefore gives us another way of assessing what is happening inside the blanket — something a conventional electrical safety test alone cannot show.
Is Normal Test & Tag Enough for an Electric Blanket?
Not by itself.
AS/NZS 3760 provides the general framework for in-service electrical safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
However, an electric blanket presents additional considerations because of its flexible construction and internal heating system. A blanket may pass conventional electrical tests while still showing physical deterioration or an abnormal heating pattern.
For this reason, MegaTest treats electric blanket testing as a specialised appliance inspection, combining visual and physical inspection, appropriate electrical testing and thermal imaging.
What Are Some Warning Signs With an Electric Blanket?
Electric blankets should be checked if there are signs such as damaged or frayed fabric, scorch marks, damaged cords or controllers, unusual hot spots, displaced or bunched internal elements, or other obvious deterioration.
A blanket that has been stored tightly folded or has suffered physical damage deserves particular attention.
If there is any doubt about its condition, it should not simply continue to be used because it still produces heat.
What About Older Electric Blankets?
Electric blankets can deteriorate with age, repeated use, folding and storage, even when there are no obvious external signs of damage.
As a general policy, MegaTest does not normally test electric blankets that are more than 10 years old. Where a blanket has reached this age, we generally recommend replacement rather than relying on ongoing testing to extend its service life.
This is a MegaTest safety recommendation, rather than a requirement that every electric blanket must automatically be replaced when it reaches 10 years old.
What Happens if an Electric Blanket Fails?
If an electric blanket has a defect that makes continued use unsafe, it should be removed from service.
Depending on its age, condition and the nature of the defect, replacement may be more appropriate than attempting a repair.
A failed blanket should not be returned to use simply because it still appears to operate normally.
Where Does AS/NZS 60335.2.17 Fit With Other Standards?
AS/NZS 60335.2.17 addresses the particular safety requirements associated with electric blankets and flexible heating appliances.
AS/NZS 3760 provides the broader framework for in-service electrical equipment inspection and testing.
Together, they help provide a more appropriate assessment than relying on a conventional electrical Test & Tag alone.
Need Help With Electric Blanket Testing?
MegaTest – Appliance Electrical Testing
MegaTest provides electric blanket testing alongside our wider electrical equipment inspection and testing solutions as part of NZ Test Group.
Our electric blanket inspections can include visual and physical inspection, appropriate electrical safety testing and thermal inspection of the blanket while operating.
If you're unsure about the condition or safety of an electric blanket, talk to our team.