5 Reasons Not to Plug a Heated Blanket into a Power Strip

Heated blankets feel cozy and safe, but plugging them into a power strip can turn comfort into danger. 

Many people don’t realize how much electricity these blankets draw, and a small mistake can spark fires or damage your outlet. Learn why a simple wall plug is safer and how to protect your home.

• Avoid Power Strips: Always plug your heated blanket directly into a wall outlet.
  
  

• Reduce Fire Risk: Power strips and extension cords can overheat and spark fires.
  
  

• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Check labels and manuals for safe use guidelines.
  
  

• Inspect Regularly: Look for frayed cords, damage, or signs of wear before use.
  
  

• Unplug When Not in Use: Disconnecting your blanket after use prevents accidents and saves energy.

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, a power strip is a length of electrical sockets attached to a flexible cord that plugs into a standard wall outlet, allowing multiple devices to draw power simultaneously. 

While convenient, power strips should be used temporarily rather than as permanent wiring, as misuse can lead to fire hazards or electrical shock. 

Outdoor power strips, in particular, are designed to withstand environmental conditions, making them ideal for patios, gardens, or outdoor workspaces.

Outdoor power strips offer several benefits:

• Convenience: Power multiple devices at once without multiple cords.
  
  

• Weather Resistance: Built to endure rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
  
  

• Safety: Equipped with grounding prongs and waterproof covers to prevent shocks.
  
  

• Versatility: Available with USB ports, timers, or surge protection to meet diverse needs.
  
  

Safety precautions include keeping cords untangled, avoiding overloading, ensuring plugs are fully inserted, and not using power strips as permanent wiring. They should also be kept away from moisture and direct heat sources.

Alternatives to power strips include wall outlet extenders (simple additional outlets), smart plugs (remote control and scheduling), and dedicated circuits (for high-power appliances), which offer safer, more permanent solutions for powering multiple devices.

You should never plug a heated blanket into a power strip. Power strips aren’t designed for continuous high-wattage use, and overloading them can cause overheating, fires, or damage to the blanket and outlet. 

Safety experts and manufacturers recommend plugging directly into a wall outlet, avoiding extension cords or smart plugs, inspecting cords regularly, and unplugging after use to prevent hazards and prolong the blanket’s life.

Safety experts, including the U.S. Fire Administration and NFPA, strongly advise against plugging heated blankets into power strips or extension cords. 

While a heated blanket itself only uses about 0.5 to 1.5 amps, far below the 15-amp rating of most strips, the real danger comes when other devices share the same strip. 

This extra load can easily push the strip past its limit and increase the risk of overheating or fire.

Heating pads and electric blankets are linked to roughly 500 fires each year, often involving older or damaged models. 

Manufacturers also warn that these blankets should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet, never into a strip, extension cord, or when “daisy-chained” with other electronics.

To stay safe, avoid leaving your blanket unattended or using it while you sleep. Regularly check for worn cords, overheating, or signs of age, and replace the blanket if needed. 

The safest practice is simple: plug it straight into the wall and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Plugging a heated blanket into a power strip might feel convenient, but it’s riskier than most people realize. 

Each year, overheated or overloaded power strips and extension cords contribute to around 3,300 home fires in the U.S., leading to tragic injuries and deaths.

The issue comes down to power. Wall outlets are designed to handle the steady energy draw of appliances, while power strips have strict wattage limits. 

Heated blankets, like other high-wattage devices, can easily push those limits, causing the strip to overheat, trip breakers, or even spark a fire.

Safety experts, including the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, stress that power strips and extension cords should only be used for light, temporary needs. They should never serve as permanent solutions for devices that run on higher power.

The safest choice is simple: plug heated blankets directly into a wall outlet, replace damaged cords right away, and never connect power strips together. Staying warm should never come at the cost of your home’s safety.

• Read Instructions: Always read the manual to avoid accidents.
  
  

• Avoid Water & Heat: Keep the blanket away from water and other heat sources.
  
  

• Use Properly: Only use the blanket on beds or sofas.
  
  

• Gentle Cleaning: Clean carefully to prevent wire damage.
  
  

• Storage: Store flat or rolled to avoid creases.
  
  

• Regular Inspection: Check regularly for frays, burns, or malfunctions.
  
  

• Repair or Replace: Fix or replace damaged blankets immediately.

Most safety organizations, including UL and the CPSC, warn against plugging heated blankets into smart plugs, timers, or extension cords. 

Heated blankets use a lot of power, and adding extra devices can increase the risk of overheating, fire, or exceeding wattage limits. That’s why manufacturers recommend plugging them directly into a wall outlet.

Although using a smart plug may sound convenient, modern heated blankets already come with built-in safety features like automatic shut-off, adjustable timers, and temperature sensors. 

These systems are designed specifically to prevent overheating and detect malfunctions, something an external timer can’t do.

Smart plugs do have benefits, such as helping reduce energy waste, cutting phantom power, or allowing remote shut-off. 

However, safety should always come first. The best practice is to rely on the blanket’s own controls, inspect the cord regularly, and unplug it when not in use.

Yes, you should. Heated blankets don’t use much electricity around 200 watts, costing just 15–30 cents for 10 hours, but leaving them plugged in can still waste energy. 

Some models even draw a small “phantom load” when switched off. More importantly, safety experts and manufacturers strongly advise unplugging after each use. 

Doing so reduces the risk of fire, accidental activation, or damage from worn wires. Unless your blanket is designed for safe all-night use with a thermostat, it’s best to disconnect it before sleeping. 

Regularly unplugging also helps extend its lifespan by easing stress on the wiring and heating elements, preventing overheating, and lowering the chance of electrical faults. 

For safe, efficient use, stick to the lowest comfortable heat setting, make use of timers or auto-shutoff features, and check your blanket often for wear. 

This small habit not only keeps you safe but also saves energy and helps your blanket last longer.

A heated blanket can trip a breaker or surge protector if it draws more current than the circuit allows, has an internal fault, or is plugged into a power strip or extension cord. Always plug directly into a wall outlet and inspect for damage if tripping continues.

Yes, it can. Battery-powered heated blankets offer cordless warmth for camping, travel, or outages. 

Avoid overloading batteries and follow safety guidelines. portable heating, emergency readiness, and convenience without outlets, similar to battery-powered hand warmers or heated jackets.