07-12-2018, 01:24 PM
Old radios that have not been properly recapped (meaning, changing all the old electrolytic and paper capacitors) are likely to have some of those (especially electrolytic) whose internal structure is weakened and they could fail. If failed shorted, they are likely to take out the rectifier tube and possibly the power transformer.
Old cords may dry up and present electrical fire hazard.
Then again, the radio might've been gone through by someone.
But if not, 1) I would not leave it plugged in, EVEN if it is not turned on. I do not even leave my own restored radios plugged in - I use them with power strips. 2) I would not power them until looked at by a knowledgeable person.
Good news is, if the radio worked - this means you have mostly good tubes, good power and good speaker. So no reason to risk destroying it.
Old cords may dry up and present electrical fire hazard.
Then again, the radio might've been gone through by someone.
But if not, 1) I would not leave it plugged in, EVEN if it is not turned on. I do not even leave my own restored radios plugged in - I use them with power strips. 2) I would not power them until looked at by a knowledgeable person.
Good news is, if the radio worked - this means you have mostly good tubes, good power and good speaker. So no reason to risk destroying it.
People who do not drink, do not smoke, do not eat red meat will one day feel really stupid lying there and dying from nothing.
