30 May 2024 , 12:31
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A man who revealed he's still using his Soviet-era desktop fan has received several warnings over his safety.
Sharing a snap of the vintage electrical appliance to Reddit's MildlyInteresting thread, he declared: "I'm still using a fan that was made in 1967," before explaining it was manufactured in the former USSR.
The fan, with its dusty rubber blades, worn-out paint and aluminium base, is clearly past its prime. The snap even prompted other users to voice their concerns over its age, especially given the design does not feature a protective guard.
Addressing fears about getting fingers caught in it blade, the man responded light-heartedly: "Well, the flaps are made of a rubber, so it only hurts as a slap, depends which angle you decide to put your fingers on.
"Although the main safety concern is not to get electrocuted."
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However some people said not taking the matter seriously could result in him "burning his house down" should he he continue using the antique in its current state. "Please update that power cable," one person urged, pointing out the risk of the deteriorating plastic coating. "The plastic coating looks terrible and prone to cracking by now."
Another echoed the sentiment, warning: "Even if this fan technically works, it's an electrical accident waiting to happen. There doesn't appear to be any grounding for the fan, and the whole body is metal... not a good time if something goes wrong. Also, you might just end up with exposed wire if the exterior cracks at all."
A third warned: "Just a word of caution, my parents had a lamp from a similar era plugged into an outlet (not even on, just plugged in) that randomly shorted out in the middle of the night and set their house on fire. Made me think twice about having old appliances around."
However, the man explained: "If it short's circuit safety switch of the house would turn it off, so fire won't be an issue. You just need not to touch the aluminium body with your open palms, and you will be alright."
Other posters threw caution to the wind and encouraged the man to carry on using his vintage appliance. "If it ain't broke, keep using it!" said one. "We still use our 50+ year old Electrolux canister vacuum. It's a hideous teal colour."
Another user added: "I look at it in terms of sustainability: these things were built to last so you don't have to purchase something new every few years."
And a relaxed third chimed in: "Our family still uses a microwave that's 30yrs old. If it's working, why change it, right?"