powering up old unused electrinics equipment

[paulmars]

I remember in electronics school in the 1980s we learned that the
best way to damage a very old piece of electronic equipment was to
power it on with full voltage. After a long time with no power caps
go to zero ufd, which will pass the full voltage and burn out other
components. Something like that. Im looking on the internet for
info about this, but I cant find any. Do you know of any?

tks,
pa

[tjg79]

Re: powering up old unused electrinics equipment

Take the cover off, plug it in and watch the circuit board carefully. If you see smoke, unplug it, investigate the issue and try again.

[Agent24]

Re: powering up old unused electrinics equipment

No, the leakage current of the capacitors can increase. Often they can be re-formed. If the capacitance dropped to zero, it would be shorted or open circuit.

How old is the equipment you want to power on? If the capacitors are ancient (like Valve-era) you should remove and test them first - those ones are most likely to explode if unused for decades

[selldoor]

Re: powering up old unused electrinics equipment

Do you really need to know? have you something you want to start up?
Try on antique radio .com? or google electrolytic capacitor shelf life
assuming you are not talking wax and paper in which case antique radio may
be the way to go.

[goontron]

Re: powering up old unused electrinics equipment

DONT PLUG IT IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
unless its from the 80s, then go ahead.

[paulmars]

Re: powering up old unused electrinics equipment

its late 1970s and has need seen power for at least a decade.

[Agent24]

Re: powering up old unused electrinics equipment

What is it? Have you had a look inside yet for any obviously visible issues?

If you want to be on the safe side, test or replace any big electrolytic filter capacitors and any other high voltage ones. Low voltage ones should be OK to leave as is.

[Heihachi_73]

Re: powering up old unused electrinics equipment

Late 70s would basically cover "80s" as far as electronics goes.

[goontron]

Re: powering up old unused electrinics equipment

Late 70s would basically cover "80s" as far as electronics goes.

i wouldn't say that. i have had two radios made in the 70's pop the filter, one of which cut a gash in my arm about half the length of a lighter. all the 80's worked and didn't blow up.

[momaka]

Re: powering up old unused electrinics equipment

If it's old stuff (but not super old like tube stuff), I say it depends if the caps have safety vents or not. If no safety vents, be careful!