Safety Warning - old Grundig Sky Cable Boxes

[Chris P]

Hi Everyone,

We have received an important notice from a JumbleTowner concerning old Sky Cable boxes.

He tells us that his Grundig Sky Box (approx 5 years old) was working perfectly but that according to a local tv repair man these particular boxes were prone to overheating. Apparently Sky has discontinued using the brand because of this problem.

So, in the light of this information, we think it advisable that JumbleTowners be wary of Giving and Taking Grundig Sky Boxes of around five years or older. At this stage, we do not intend an outright site-ban on Sky Boxes. (NTL Cable Boxes are banned for a different reason. Please see this post:
http://www.jumbletown.ie/forums/showthread.php?t=8951)

On a more general note, we ask all Members to be cognisant of the fact that some items on JumbleTown may not be fit for life-cycling (re-use by Giving and Taking) but rather best suited to recycling at a Civic Amenity Centre/Recycling Centre.

Many thanks to the JumbleTowner who brought this issue to our attention, and thanks to all who have contributed to the site's success over the past year.

Regards
Chris P
Admin

[acket]

It probably should be said that all secondhand electrical equipment should be checked carefully for obvious hazards such as frayed cables, badly wired plugs, damage etc.

As for skyboxes and other settop boxes, many people tend to stack them with multiple other things, videos, DVDplayers etc in cabinets with little ventilation, against manufactuers advice. Under such conditions, the heat has nowhere to go and a minor fault can turn from melted plastic to inferno.

Allegedly NTL cable modems were withdrawn at one stage after some allegedly caught fire.
I have also seen monitors go up in flames in front of me.

And givers, if you are aware of any fault, let the taker know.
And everyone, check your smoke alarms.