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Safety tips when disassembling old electronics? (discuss.tchncs.de)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I'm taking apart a broken tape recorder produced in the 70s (a Tesla B57, made in Czechoslovakia), to harvest some parts (inductors, switches, ...) and maybe reuse the case for some project.

Which made me wonder: are there any dangers to protect myself against? I know about lead, so I'll take precautions when desoldering things. Is there anything else to be aware of? Some fumes, other toxic materials, ...?

I'm not planning to connect the device to power in any way, so from an electrical perspective there should be nothing to worry about (except for caps maybe). Am I wrong?

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Some old electronics use asbestos in heating elements or for shielding. Be careful when dealing with old hair dryers, coffee makers, stoves etc.

I don't see how there could be any in your tape recorder though. It's just what came to my mind when I read the title.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

good to know for the future!