Electric blanket

[DeborahLee]

Does or has anyone used an electric blanket with a Honda generator? The papers with the blanket say not to use with a generator but not why. I think it is one of those liability things and not operation. They only pull 200 watts and I wouldn't have to run the heater all night.

[foggysail]

If you're running a Honda all night.....you should be using a CO monitor and that could be their concern

[Captain Bill]

Most Electric blanket temperature control unit require a true sine wave ac source. Some cheap inverter type gensets put out a modified sine wave just like cheap inverters. Modified sine wave power will cause the units to overheat and may even catch fire. Don't ask me how I know but suffice it to say my inverter is a modified sine wave type and while I didn't see flames the smoke really stank up the boat. I think Hondas put out a true sine wave, but they probably covered themselves by saying don't use it on any genset. I don't have a Honda so don't take my word about the output.

[deckofficer]

Why not use a trucker's 12 volt bunk heater? Heat rises, so a pad that you sleep on top of is more efficient. I have used one, think it pulls 3.5 amps (42 watts) and kept me toasty on the lowest setting, and at that setting was cycled off 75% of the time. That is 7 a-hr for your 8 hour sleep, the cheapest way to stay warm.

[RainDog]

12-Volt Heating: 12-Volt Heaters & Electric Heating Blankets

scroll down to blankets. No need to run the generator.

[eyschulman]

Keeping a bed worm. I always thought that was a good woman's domain

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by eyschulman

Keeping a bed worm. I always thought that was a good woman's domain

Do you mean keeping the bed worm happy?

[SunDevil]

It depends on where you are at (outside temp) and how many other blankets you have, but I just use a small heating pad for 30 minutes to start and then the extra blankets will keep me warm the rest of the night in 50 degree F temps.

I would agree to test the electric blanket outside first, and under other blankets with the setup if you go that way. I couldn't use a Kill-A-Watt meter on my cheap AC inverter, so there is something there that could be a problem. Grounding is the other issue that comes to mind, although they don't usually have ground plugs on the e-blankets...

[JPA Cate]

...And how's this for oooold technology? I pre-warm my side of the bed with------a hot water bottle! What a luxury to have a toasty spot for my icy feet, I love it.

Ann

[colemj]

We solved the whole problem by moving to warm places, but when it used to be cold, I pre-warmed my side of the bed with ------- Michele.

Just wait 'em out and eventually they will go to bed. They can't help but eventually take up the whole berth, so when you get in your side is warm also.

Mark

[Viking Sailor]

Some years ago a neighbors boat caught fire due to an electric blanket. They left it turned on and while they were away their cat bunched it up to take a nap on it. The blanket over heated catching the boat on fire. Their cat and dog both died. If they had been there they probably would have been able to dual with the fire. But as it was the boat was totaled. Just something to think about.

[rebel heart]

We had one for a winter in San Diego. Not super cold, but it dips into the 30f range at night. Drops below freezing every now and then and the water is in the lower 50's.

Worked out great. It was SO nice being able to crawl into a super warm bed. We only did it when we were on the dock with shore power. We're headed to New Zealand in a year. Might get another one.

[smaarch]

read some of the posts not all of them.
I recently moved and if the punishment of moving was not enough, the other day i threw by back out simply looking at a box of books to unpack.
WalGreens/CVs have heat pads that work very well.
I'dbet these things are everywhere
No Electric required.

edit: oops I'm in so much pain i didn't realize the topic. my apologies
maybe they still have some use....

[Amnesia II]

Originally Posted by foggysail

If you're running a Honda all night.....you should be using a CO monitor and that could be their concern

Just what you need in a nice quiet anchorage....someone running a generator all night, or even at sundowner time....GRRRRRR!!

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by Amnesia II

Just what you need in a nice quiet anchorage....someone running a generator all night, or even at sundowner time....GRRRRRR!!

I used to think the same thing till I realized I couldn't hear the genset for the laughing, loud talking, stereo playing, guitar strumming...etc..etc...

Then when it gets real quiet the mosquitoes in you ear are way louder and I know I snore louder....

Sure I can appreciate quiet...but it's not always the gensets that are the noise polluters.