How to Troubleshoot an Electric Mattress Pad

Electric mattress pads help keep you warm in bed.

An electric mattress pad works similarly to an electric blanket; it warms up your bed on a cold night, but instead of covering you in warmth, an electric mattress pad heats the bed from beneath you. If your electric mattress pad is not working, there are a few things you can check yourself before purchasing a new product.

Instructions

1. Check the breaker to make sure that the switch was not flipped off.

2. Secure the connections between the controller and where it plugs into the mattress pad. The mattress pad will not get warm if the plug is not correctly connected.

3. Check the controller to make sure that it is correctly switched on. Some units may not be labeled "on" or "off" -- although most light-up when turned to the "on" position.

4. Adjust the controller for the desired warmness. Generally, turning the knob to the right makes the temperature lower; turning the knob to the left makes the temperature warmer.

5. Make sure that you are controlling the correct side of the mattress pad. Larger electric mattress pads for queen and king-sized beds have two controllers. If your side of the bed is not warming up, check the other side of the bed for warmness. The easiest way to check for which controller controls which side is to turn one controller on and the other off. Wait a few minutes, then check the bed for warmness.

6. Plug the electric mattress pad directly into the wall. Do not use an extension cord.

Tips & Warnings

• The controller may feel warm to the touch while turned on. This is normal.

• The mattress pad will not feel warm to the touch when laid out flat on the bed. Fold the blanket three times, wait a few minutes, then place your hands between the folds. Your mattress pad will feel warm if it is working properly. Do not keep the pad folded up and turned on for more than seven minutes.

• Never use electric mattress pads on waterbeds.

• Do not let the cord get pinched or crimped. Keep the cord out from between the mattress and the box spring, which may cause pinching and damage to the cord.

References

• Sunbeam: Heated Product User Manual