The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I always cringe the first time I plug in any vintage piece of equipment. I rewired an Electrola onetime, with new cloth covered wire, it had the Universal motor, such as similar to what a Dictaphone has, but it worked great! I have shavers and Ediphones that the original wiring works just fine, I too feel nervous about leaving such an old piece of equipment plugged in all the time. But in all honesty that old equipment will probably outlive any modern junk.

If I unplugged every vintage appliance, I'd never have any lights, nor would anything EVER be attatched to a light socket.

The secret is thourough inspection, and immediate reapir of any electrical faults, no matter how minor they may appear.

^^This.

Exactly. I've owned several Electrola's, and have never replaced any of the wiring in any of them. All the wiring I've come across appears to be in excellent shape, with no signs of deterioration of any sort. Suspended, cloth covered wire rarely has problems, from my experiences. However, rubber/plastic power cords, are a different beast altogether. Basic rule of thumb is 40 years. After that they start to get a bit stiff, and will eventually crumble into pieces and short out.

I've got an Edison toaster with its (apparently) original fabric-covered cord, which is pliable and fully functional. The toaster probably dates from the 1920s or early '30s. YRMV!

Well all the wires inside where the switch is is ok. Soft ad still covered nd is fine. I just made a new cord as the other is frayed a bit.
I ordered some new cloth covered cord o make a new one. So it's new and looks old like the original.
It's nice not to have to crank it to e it.

[quote="Henry"]I've got an Edison toaster with its (apparently) original fabric-covered cord, which is pliable and fully functional. The toaster probably dates from the 1920s or early '30s. YRMV![/quote]

That is the point. If the wire is still pliable, then it is safe to use, unless frayed.

Machines which have been stored for long periods in hot attics tend to require re-wiring, those stored in living spaces generally do not, except perhaps for the very early (1914-1915) Electrolas, the wiring of which always seems to be stff as a brick and as brittle as glass, moe's the pity, for the cord on those sets was woven into the wiring harness, and there is nothing aailable today which is quite like that round, twine-filled silk covered cord. it may be approximated with t
Sundial Wire's "Bungalow Cord" and some dye, but not exactly.