by A blinking heating pad can be frustrating and concerning. The blinking light is often a sign that something is wrong with your heating pad.
The good news is that most blinking heating pad issues are easy to diagnose and repair at home.
Why Is My Heating Pad Blinking?
This article will overview the most common reasons your heating pad light blinks and provide actionable solutions to get your heating pad working properly again.
#1: Overheated Wires
The most common reason a heating pad blinks is that its internal wires have become too hot. Heating pads contain thin wires that heat up to warm the pad. If these wires become overheated, it triggers the heating pad’s safety mechanism. This causes the light to blink as a warning sign.
What to Do:
- Unplug the heating pad and allow the wires inside to fully cool for 1+ hours.
- Check for obstructions to airflow under or around the pad.
- Use a lower heat setting and never exceed 20 minutes of continuous use.
- If blinking persists, wires may be damaged and need replacement.
#2: Tripped Safety Fuse
Many heating pads have a small thermal fuse inside to prevent overheating. If the wires get too hot, this fuse will “trip” and break the electric circuit, causing the heating pad to stop working and the light to blink.
What to Do:
- Locate the fuse inside the controller or plug.
- Remove the fuse and inspect it for a broken wire inside a translucent glass tube.
- If broken, replace with identical fuse with same voltage/amp rating.
- Test the heating pad, if still blinking, the safety fuse may not be the issue.
#3: Insufficient Power
Heating pads require substantial power draw to generate heat. If there is inadequate power going to your heating pad, it may cause blinking lights or failure to reach or maintain heat levels.
What to Do:
- Use a wall outlet instead of a power strip/surge protector.
- Ensure the outlet is a grounded 120V 15/20 amp circuit.
- Try a different, undamaged extension cord if needed.
- Use the multimeter to test the outlet voltage and compare it to pad requirements.
#4: Outdated Model
As heating pads age and wear out internally, blinking lights become more likely. Most experts recommend replacing heating pads after 5 years of use. Using an outdated heating pad also poses safety risks like shorts, sparks, and fires.
What to Do:
- Check the pad’s age.
- Note other signs of wear like damaged cords or plugs.
- Consider replacing it with a new UL-certified heating pad.
- Properly dispose of old pads to prevent reuse.
#5: Lack of Air Circulation
For safe operation, heating pads require open airspace around and under them for ventilation. Covering them fully or using them on surfaces that trap heat can cause overheating and blinking.
What to Do:
- Never fully cover the heating pad with blankets while in use.
- Use on top of bed sheets instead of underneath sheets/blankets.
- Ensure the pad maintains contact with open air on all sides.
- Position the pad so heat can escape from both sides while in use.
Additional Tips to Prevent Heating Pad Blinking
Follow these best practices to minimize overheating and blinking lights:
- ✓ Use for 20 minutes max at one time.
- ✓ Always use the lowest effective heat setting.
- ✓ Fully unfold – do not bunch up the heating pad during use.
- ✓ Sit/lie on the pad instead of placing it between the body and chair/bed.
- ✓ Routinely wash/air out the pad according to the manufacturer.
- ✓ Visually inspect wiring before each use for damage.
- ✓ Replace the heating pad every 2-5 years depending on the use.
FAQs on Heating Pad Blinking Issue:
Here are answers to some common questions about blinking heating pad lights:
- What causes heating pad controllers to blink?
The most common causes of a blinking heating pad controller are overheated internal wires, a tripped thermal fuse, insufficient power supply, lack of ventilation, or simply an outdated heating pad.
- Why does my heating pad periodically blink 3 lights?
Most Sunbeam, Conair, and other major heating pad brands blink 3 lights as a safety alert when the temperature limit is exceeded, signaling the internal wires are getting too hot.
- Is it safe to use a heating pad if the light is blinking?
No, you should immediately unplug any heating pad that blinks excessively or displays a blinking light pattern. The blinking indicates a hazardous overheating condition or electrical malfunction making it unsafe for further use.
- Can I fix my heating pad if I can’t replace the controller?
If blinking persists after attempting fuse replacement, wire inspection, etc. the heating pad controller itself may be damaged beyond repair. Since the controller regulates temperature, a damaged controller often requires replacing the entire heating pad.
- Why does my heating pad still blink after replacing the fuse?
If putting in a new fuse with equivalent specs does not resolve blinking, then a tripped fuse is likely not the underlying problem. Further electrical testing and wire inspection would be needed to determine the actual cause, or the heating pad unit may simply need replacement.
Also Check:
- Honeywell Thermostat Heat on Blinking
- Honeywell Hot Water Heater Status Light Blinking
- Why is My Sonos Roam Flashing Orange Light
- Blendjet Flashing Red and Purple Lights
Conclusion
While a blinking heating pad light may seem mysterious or require complicated electronic knowledge to decipher, the most common reasons are fairly straightforward.
With some basic troubleshooting like allowing wires to fully cool, replacing fuses, inspecting connections, and testing power supply and ventilation, you can often get a blinking heating pad working again.
Knowing when to stop attempting fixes and fully retire an aging heating pad is also important to stay safe.
With proper care and routine replacement every few years, heating pads can remain effective solutions for sore muscles and cold nights.
