Getting Vomit Out Of Electric Timer

csnann

My cat threw up on the timer of my electric blanket. I initially decided to buy a new timer, but they don't sell them seperately - the only ones I could find were second hand ones on ebay that were going for more than I paid for the blanket! is it possible to open the timer somehow to clean it, or should I just make do with my old hot water bottle?

TimBuckTeeth

I would throw it away. The timer is often not easy to open without damage, and if faulty is a fire risk.
I heard recently that the fire service did free tests on electric blankets and over half of them were not safe to use.
Don't buy a second hand blanket as you don't know if it is safe.
Although not very money saving, it is not worth risking it, as "old and damaged blankets cause more than 5,000 fires a year"

panchenlama

kill and skin the cat and use it's fur to keep you warm

ariba10

Cut the cable after the timer, fit a 13Amp plug, buy an ordinary timer and go from there.

TimBuckTeeth

ariba10 wrote: »

Cut the cable after the timer, fit a 13Amp plug, buy an ordinary timer and go from there.

Not knowing the model of blanket, that is not good advice.
There could be more than 2 wires in the cable for more than one heating element so should not be connected directly to a plug. Also the timer unit most likely will have a temperature control knob or switch and thermal safety cutout.

It might seem expensive for a new electric blanket, but it is not worth risking a fire. A basic new one can be found for about £15.

csnann

It looks like I will have to chuck out the timer and make do withe the hot water bottle then.

I came close to skinning the cat when I realised what she'd done!

panchenlama

i'll come and keep you warm

Ben84

ariba10 wrote: »

Cut the cable after the timer, fit a 13Amp plug, buy an ordinary timer and go from there.

No, don't do this! The module with the switches that is between the electric blanket circuit and the cable to the mains plug contains important circuitry, things that control the electricity able to flow through the blanket's circuit and thermal cuts outs. I think if the electric blanket circuit was connected directly to the mains it would quickly overheat and start burning.

Also, if you ever do replace the plug on an electric blanket (after the control unit only!) it's not a 13 amp plug, it's a three-pin plug with a 3 amp fuse that you should use. The 3 amp fuse in modern plugs allows you to power appliances up to 750 watts, which should be more than sufficient for any electric blanket. 13 amp is up to 3000 watt and is only suitable for appliances like electric fires and kettles.

As for what to do with the blanket, have you written to the manufacturer? I find a paper letter asking about spare parts can often get good results, particularly if you talk about brand loyalty and the benefits to consumers and the environment from being able to buy spares. They do like all this stuff and may try to go that extra mile to win your favour.

boogiemaster

This is one sick post o0

HappyMJ

I'd wash the timer and make sure it's dry. Although water and electric don't really mix as long as it is dry it will be OK. Put the timer somewhere very dry such as the airing cupboard so it can dry out. Leave it for a week. I do that when the electric grill gets way too dirty that a wipe won't work any more even though instructions say do not immerse.