Electric Blanket Safety NZ – Why MegaTest Made National News
One in Ten Electric Blankets Failing – The Story Behind the Headlines
Electric blanket safety NZ became a national talking point in April 2024 when MegaTest raised concerns about the number of electric blankets failing our inspections.
The story was featured by 1News and the NZ Herald, highlighting our finding that approximately one in ten electric blankets inspected were failing safety checks.
But there's more to the story than the headline.
It began after we read about a tragic electric blanket-related fire in Wellington. Concerned about what we were seeing during our own inspections, we contacted the media to raise awareness of electric blanket safety.
During our conversation with the NZ Herald, we explained that approximately 10% of the electric blankets we were inspecting were failing our checks.
And suddenly, we had a national news story!
Our intention was simple: to encourage people to take electric blanket safety seriously, particularly before the colder winter months.
Watch Our Original 1News Interview
In April 2024, 1News visited MegaTest in Christchurch to discuss our findings and demonstrate the importance of electric blanket safety inspections.
Watch the original report on YouTube.
You can also read the original coverage:
Electric Blanket Safety NZ – What Our Inspections Revealed
At the time of the news report, approximately one in ten electric blankets inspected by MegaTest were failing our safety assessment.
We also discussed these findings with an Auckland testing counterpart who had observed a similar failure rate during their inspections.
These figures represent our practical inspection experience, rather than a nationwide statistical survey.
Some failures involve obvious damage, such as deteriorated power cords, damaged controllers or broken plugs.
Others are much harder to identify without specialist equipment.
And that's where thermal imaging becomes particularly important.
Not All Electric Blanket Testing Is the Same
An electric blanket can pass a conventional electrical safety test and still have a potentially dangerous heating problem.
At MegaTest, we carry out a comprehensive three-part inspection.
1. Visual Inspection
We examine the blanket, power cord, plug, controller, connections and general condition.
We're looking for deterioration, damaged components, twisted heating elements, signs of overheating and other visible concerns.
2. Electrical Safety Testing
We undertake appropriate electrical safety testing under AS/NZS 3760:2022, including insulation testing where applicable.
These tests provide valuable information about electrical insulation and related faults.
However, conventional electrical testing cannot identify every potential problem within the heating elements of an electric blanket.
3. Thermal Imaging Inspection
This is an especially important part of our process.
Using a thermal imaging camera, we examine the heating pattern of the operating blanket.
Thermal imaging helps identify unusual concentrations of heat, displaced heating elements, overlapping coils and other irregularities that may require further investigation.
It provides information that conventional electrical safety testing alone cannot reveal.
A current electrical test tag does not necessarily mean an electric blanket is free from hidden heating problems.
How Old Is Your Electric Blanket? The Plug Can Tell a Story!
One thing we've learned over the years is that some electric blankets remain in use far longer than anyone might expect.
During 2026, we even encountered a blanket displaying a previous inspection date of 1977.
That's nearly 50 years ago!
Check the Plug Pins
One useful clue to a blanket's age is its original electrical plug.
Insulated active and neutral plug pins became mandatory for new plugs supplied in New Zealand in April 2005.
If an electric blanket still has its original plug with no insulation on those pins, it may be more than 20 years old.
Of course, a plug may have been replaced, so this is an indication of age rather than definitive proof.
Nevertheless, if your electric blanket is that old, our recommendation is simple: replace it rather than continue using it.
Remember Those Old Blue and Brown Blankets?
We've also come across older blue and brown electric blankets that appear to date back 40 years or more.
While colour alone cannot establish a blanket's age, older colours, designs, labels and plugs can provide useful clues.
If you can't establish how old your electric blanket is, particularly if it shows signs of wear, replacing it is the safer option.
Is an Elderly Family Member's Electric Blanket Safe?
Some of the oldest electric blankets we've encountered have been during our visits to retirement villages and community testing events for older New Zealanders.
It's not unusual to find blankets that have been carefully looked after but have remained in use for decades.
Unfortunately, looking after something doesn't necessarily mean it's still electrically safe.
If you have elderly parents, grandparents or other family members, take a moment to ask how old their electric blanket is.
Check its general condition, look for damaged cords or controllers, and consider whether it should be replaced.
An electric blanket can hold sentimental value, or its owner may simply see no reason to replace something that still works.
But when it comes to electrical safety, “it still works” doesn't always mean “it's still safe.”
If you're unsure what to look for, download our free Electric Blanket Home Safety Guide or arrange a professional inspection where available.
Sometimes a simple conversation with an older family member could help prevent a serious incident.
Can Newer Electric Blankets Have Problems?
Yes. Although age and deterioration are important considerations, relatively new blankets can also develop faults or exhibit unusual heating patterns.
This is why we encourage people to look beyond the age of a blanket and consider its overall condition.
A blanket that looks perfectly normal from the outside may still have heating-element irregularities that aren't obvious during a visual inspection.
What Does Fire and Emergency NZ Recommend?
Fire and Emergency New Zealand provides practical guidance on electric blanket safety and reducing fire risks around the home.
Important reminders include:
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, care and storage.
Keep electric blankets flat and avoid sharp folds or creases.
Switch the blanket off before getting into bed.
Regularly check for visible damage or signs of overheating.
Replace damaged or deteriorated blankets rather than attempting repairs.
Consider the age of your blanket. Fire and Emergency NZ recommends using electric blankets less than five years old.
For more information, visit Fire and Emergency NZ – Dryers and Electric Blankets.
Free Electric Blanket Home Safety Guide
We recognise that not everyone lives in a town where specialist electric blanket testing is readily available.
That's why NZ Test Group has developed a free downloadable guide to help households recognise common warning signs.
Our Electric Blanket Home Safety Guide includes a simple five-point visual checklist, photographs of common faults and practical safety advice.
A home visual inspection does not replace professional electrical safety testing or thermal imaging, but it can help identify obvious reasons to stop using an unsafe blanket.
Electric Blanket Testing in Christchurch
MegaTest, the appliance electrical testing division of NZ Test Group Ltd, provides specialist electric blanket inspection and testing in Christchurch.
Our three-part process combines visual inspection, electrical safety testing and thermal imaging to help identify potential hazards.
We recommend having electric blankets professionally inspected annually where suitable testing is available.
If your blanket is damaged, excessively old or showing signs of overheating, replacement is generally the better option.
Electric blankets are meant to keep you warm — not become a fire hazard.
For more information, visit our MegaTest Electric Blanket Testing section.
Call us: 027 22 33 446
Email: info@nztestgroup.co.nz
Website: www.megatest.co.nz
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