We were talking while my DH was doing some electronic repairs for a client, and came around to a question that has nagged us for years.
When people throw away things that have a power cord, why do they often cut the cord off?
They do it on everything from refrigerators to radios, and I have never figured out why.
NightMist
I can't speak for others but I cut the cord off any electric item I throw out that's dangerous (Sparks flying, smell of electrical wires frying, flames shooting out....that sort of thing.) That way no one picks it up off the curb and brings it home to use not realizing it wasn't just tossed because we didn't want it anymore. ~*~ Jeri
Safety: stops people using something that is probably dangerous.
I always cut the cord off, figuring that if anybody picks the item out of the trash they will have to work to make it work again so they can get electrocuted -- I hope that discourages them. I only throw dangerous electric items into the trash. (Safe and working items go to the church rummage sale.)
Yeah that is the weirdest thing. DD3 volunteers at the Humane Society thrift shop, and people very often bring in stuff where the cord has been cut off.
I get cutting the cord off something that could be dangerous, but cutting it off a donation item?
Guy we know picked up a multifunction stereo off the curb, and brought it over to see if DH could help him see if it was salvageable. The only thing wrong with it was the cd table was out of alignment, yet the cord had been cut off. The rest of the thing, radio, cassette player, record player, were all perfectly functional. There was no discernible electrical hazard Me I would have just looked for a new cd table, assuming you can still buy those modular. It's been awhile since I got a new one so I don't know if you can still buy them separately and plug them into your stereo's input jack.
I guess maybe it is just habit. An electrical thing stops working and you cut the cord off before you chuck it.
Now who has a box full of cut off cords lurking about that you will probably never use? (G)
NightMist
InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.