What is inside an electric blanket?

Insulated wires and heating elements are inside an electric blanket. The wires or elements are inserted into the blanket and are connected to a temperature control unit, which is plugged into an electrical outlet.

Invented in 1912 by Sidney Russell, the electric blanket was originally quite large and bulky. It was used as an underblanket, as it was placed under the bed to heat the bedding from beneath it.

Modern day electric blankets are far less bulky, as they typically contain carbon fiber wires. These blankets often include an automatic shut-off control mechanism, which has helped to reduce the number of electric-blanket-related fires and injuries.