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View Full Version : Why does a sunbeam blanket rated at 180 watts and 1.5 amps in the u.s. only draws 90


donrick44
Dec 31, 2012, 09:09 AM
A sunbeam blanket only reaches a medium high temp, heats up for 1 min. and shuts off, the blanket is rated at 180 watts and 1.5 amps but when tested is drawing 90 watts and .8 amps.

tkrussell
Dec 31, 2012, 10:12 AM
Sounds like the heating elements are shorted and only allowing a smaller portion to operate.

Discard the blanket.

donf
Dec 31, 2012, 11:28 AM
Just curious, but how are you making these measurements?

Watts is a measurement of heat loss, in this case the heat generated by the heating element.

Mathematically speaking, the voltage is correct for first wattage. 180(W) / 1.5 (A) = 120 (V). That would be correct for for the United States and Canada. The resistance of the circuit would be 120 (V) / 1.5 (A) = 80 (O).

However, the calculations for your second value are way off. 90 (W) / 0.8 (A) = 1125 (V) so the resistance of the blanket would be 1125 (V) / 0.8 (A) = 1,406 (O).

Either your measurements are incorrect or most of the blanket's elements are fried open.

But again I question your measurements and the statement, "draws watts". Again amperage is drawn, wattage is the heat output.

joypulv
Dec 31, 2012, 12:10 PM
If you get rid of it, I hope you get a heated mattress pad instead - a very few watts, better for you, and heating you instead of the room.

ma0641
Dec 31, 2012, 02:21 PM
1/2 of the heating elements are gone.