In article , Nelson
wrote:

I appreciate all those who have given constructive suggestions. For
the record, my wife has Multiple Sclerosis one symptom of which is poor
blood circulation. She is always "cold" even in the summer. More
blankets, which only keep body heat in, don't help. What is needed is
a heat source other than her body. Hence the electric blanket. She
still complains it isn't warm enough and I have no idea how to test if
it is working properly merely from a heating perspective. It feels
warm but not hot. I assume, without taking the thing apart, that there
are a bunch of resistive elements wired in parallel. Thus some could
be open and the blanket still heat.

Nelson-

Of even more concern than fire and shock, is that a temperature she likes
may actually be too hot and cause harm.

You should ask a doctor about this. We "do gooders" may be giving you
advice that would roast your wife!

The hot water bottle(s) sounds like a good idea. If she were sufficiently
comfortable to fall asleep, would she remain asleep after it cooled?

Fred