611560 Sun Apr 12 22:18:13 -0700 2009 8 41 Cookware 0 4590553 Hello All, In my cupboard sits a waffle iron that was given to my parents as a wedding gift (ca. 1971). I love this old iron and would like to use it on a regular basis (it still works beautifully), but the CORD gives me the creeps. The non-scientific (and electrically ignorant) side of me is concerned that the cord could cause electrical/other problems (read: could be a health / kitchen hazard) because of age and wear. 1) Should I be concerned? 2) Has anyone ever replaced the cord on an old appliance like this before? 3) Who should I see about replacing the cord? Thanks for your thoughts. Sun Apr 12 22:18:13 -0700 2009 120882 cakewhole 1 4590559 I wouldn't be concerned unless the cord is frayed or worn. All US applicances carry the UL *(Underwriters Lab) seal of approval. If it really worries you, you can take it to any appliance repair place and they can replace it with a new cord. Sun Apr 12 22:23:55 -0700 2009 4590553 11914 monku 1 4590614 Is the cord frayed? If so, get some black electrical tape and wrap it around the cord and you should be good to go. Sun Apr 12 23:28:34 -0700 2009 4590553 11583 ipsedixit 2 4593414 If it is frayed on the outside there is some likelihood that it could be frayed where you can't see, the part that keeps the two wires apart. Wrapping it with electrical tape won't do a thing about that. If it isn't visibly frayed it is probably fine to use. if it looks frayed, take it to an appliance repair store and get the cord replaced. Mon Apr 13 21:26:51 -0700 2009 4590614 57890 KaimukiMan 1 4590709 My sister uses a toaster of my grandmother's that I suspect is from the 1950s - fabric cord and all. She hasn't had any problems. Mon Apr 13 04:17:48 -0700 2009 4590553 10985 MMRuth 1 4590713 If any part of the cord is frayed or the plug prong is cracked get it replaced. It's easy to do or get it done....Is it a round or square waffle iron?? Mon Apr 13 04:22:51 -0700 2009 4590553 258262 flylice2x 1 4590744 I'm still using my mother's waffle iron from the 50s. The frayed fabric cord had me somewhat concerned so I had the people who repair my vacuum cleaner replace the cord for me. I'm sure if you look up "appliance repair" you'll find a local source. I wouldn't worry about it though if it's not frayed or otherwise damaged. I'm still using the same electrical cords for a number of small appliances I bought in the early 70s. To some of us that's not so old. ;->> Mon Apr 13 05:13:31 -0700 2009 4590553 11407 JoanN 1 4593192 It could likely be replaced, but since you only plug it in when you're using it there really is no big risk. Worst that's likely to happen is it shorts when you need it and since it should be plugged into a GFI or GFCI outlet, then the power will instantly turn off at the outlet. Mon Apr 13 19:30:28 -0700 2009 4590553 71350 lergnom 2 4593385 Assuming the outlets in the kitchen are GFCI. Mine aren't. Neither are most in the US. NEC didn't require them in the kitchen until NEC1987, and so most constrution before 1988 or 1989 won't have them. (Each local area (state/county/city, depending) updates their codes when they get around to it, and most places trail the uniform codes by a year or so. Or more, if they don't like parts of the code. NYC, for instance, doesn't follow any of them exactly.) And, of course, that assumes they work. Lots of them don't. No one tests them; even fewer replace them if they fail a test. Relying on a GFCI to prevent a fire is unwise, at best. If the cord is damaged, replace it. It probably will take an appliance place 20 minutes, tops. Mon Apr 13 21:11:33 -0700 2009 4593192 170353 dscheidt