AEG Grinder Date + potential exposure to PCBs from failed Start Capacitor

[265chemic]

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone might be able to help with dating of this grinder, reason being the start capacitor went pop (complete with smoke) and then dropped its electrolyte contents over my bench, which I cleaned up with a rag (and got on my hands)... then subsequently did more reading into the potential for this to contain PCBs (which I'd previously only associated with older transformers) and finding out that import of consumer devices containing PCBs was banned after 1977 in Australia.

It'd be nice to rule out PCBs based on age not only because of the health effects, but also I'd like to know if I need to be careful with disposal of the capacitor and contaminated rags due to the environmental effect - they cannot go in general waste.

The AEG logo apparently changed in 1986 to the one below, however the preceeding one looks very similar, just with a box around it.
I have also received feedback that the plastic switch might indicate >1980, however older AEG models also seem to have plastic switches.

Thanks!!

 

[humber2]

When I found a leaking crapacitator I mopped up the spill with a tissue.

If it is transformer oil the oil and tissue will burn to ash, PCB not so.

YMMV

 

[265chemic]

When I found a leaking crapacitator I mopped up the spill with a tissue.

If it is transformer oil the oil and tissue will burn to ash, PCB not so.

YMMV

Interesting, are you suggesting this as a testing method for PCB content?

 

[RPH]

working with a German division of AEG, there numbering system seems to comparable to the serial numbers used by them. That is the 87 in front of the serial number. I say 1987.

 

[265chemic]

working with a German division of AEG, there numbering system seems to comparable to the serial numbers used by them. That is the 87 in front of the serial number. I say 1987.

87 would be good news! What part of the number are you deconding to get 87?

 

[RPH]

This is common in Europe pre 2000.

 

[cannuck]

When I found a leaking crapacitator I mopped up the spill with a tissue.

If it is transformer oil the oil and tissue will burn to ash, PCB not so.

Not a good idea to be around burning PCBs - as it produces truly nasty furans and dioxins if not kept with excess oxygen, above 1,000C and more than IIRC 1 full second under said conditions (thus why not found in electrical devices any more).

 

[Dagny]

run caps had pcb oil not starts 8 microfarads is pretty small for a start cap yours has a metal can so wash your hands well.

 

[RTM]

87 would be good news! What part of the number are you deconding to get 87?

I think he meant the Masch Nr 87 is an abbreviation for (in German) machine number, and then a sticker with the rest of it went after the slash. The model number is EWSL, size is 150mm, approx 6". 20mm wide (breite) wheels

 

[265chemic]

This is common in Europe pre 2000.

Thankyou - I thought "surely it isn't that simple". So any other AEG machine produced in 1987 would also be labelled Macsch.-Nr.87?

 

[265chemic]

run caps had pcb oil not starts 8 microfarads is pretty small for a start cap yours has a metal can so wash your hands well.

Thanks - I believe this one is a start cap as the machine only has 1. (From what I understand if there is a run cap this would be in addition to a start cap, and there is no such thing as a run cap without a start cap)

It runs fine now with it out of circuit, as long as you give it a spin to start.

So the thinking is that as this is a start cap, not a run cap it should not contain PCBs? You say it has a metal can so wash hands well - what bearing does the metal can have on this?

 

[RPH]

That tended to be the way they designated the year of build on their projects. You know the German preference for data tracking. It made it easier to determine year of production for them. Others used the same format in Europe.

 

[slowtwitch73]

The handle on that is genius.

 

[265chemic]

A couple more photos of the burst capacitor. I did do a bit more reading, apparently start caps in general can contain PCBs - @Dagny : interested to hear more about your theory on this - maybe not for small electric motors?

 

[scooby074]

I wouldnt sweat the pcb thing. Wash your hands very well and dispose of at your local household hazardous waste pickup or in a sealed paint can