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    donrick44's Avatar
    donrick44 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 31, 2012, 09:09 AM
    Why does a sunbeam blanket rated at 180 watts and 1.5 amps in the u.s. only draws 90
    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's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    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's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #3

    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's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
    current pert
    		  
    #4

    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's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #5

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