Auto switch-off
The ability
to automatically turn off the heater after a certain time.
Auto switch-off performs three main functions. Firstly, it provides safety: even if the user forgets to turn off the heating pad, it will not overheat and cause a fire. Secondly, the overheating of the user himself is thus prevented; this is especially convenient if the heating pad is used during sleep. Thirdly, auto switch-off allows you to avoid unnecessary power consumption.
Note that the response time and features of its adjustment may be different. So, in the simplest models, only one option is provided (for example, after 90 minutes), more advanced devices may have
several time settings or even the ability to set it yourself within a certain range.
Power consumption
Rated power consumed by the heater during operation.
Technically, other things being equal, a more powerful device will heat up faster and heat more greatly, but its energy consumption will also be higher. However, in fact, this parameter is of secondary importance: manufacturers select power in such a way as to provide the heating pad with the necessary performance. So paying attention to power makes sense mainly when comparing and only in cases where the differences are significant — for example, if one model consumes 100 W, and another of similar size only 60 W.
Cable length
The length of the cable for connecting to the mains, which is equipped with a heating pad.
On the one hand, the longer the wire, the easier it is to connect the device to the outlet, the lower the chance that an extension cord will be needed for this. On the other hand, a long cable can get tangled and create inconvenience. Thus, in most heating pads, the length of the wire is about 2 – 2.5 m — a longer length is rarely required and in such cases it is usually not a problem to find an extension cord.
