Stop appliance genocide

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by Jeffhs

I would think cords for these old appliances should be easy to find, if you do some searching. The roaster you refer to uses the same type of cord as was (and probably still is) used on electric irons; however, the cord you're looking for should have a large female AC plug at the end opposite the line plug. This is the end that plugs into the mating male socket on the roaster. These cords are well covered by asbestos and other fire-resistant materials, due to the high current requirements of appliances using heating elements and/or large motors; they must be replaced, if necessary, with the same type of cord as originally supplied with the appliance, as a standard cord (such as a plastic-insulated extension cord) will overheat, melt and short, tripping the circuit breaker, soon after the appliance is switched on.

I would be extremely leery of using a 50+-year-old roaster, unless the appliance was overhauled first. The roaster probably has crumbling wiring to the heating element, thermostat, etc. and may be anything but safe to use. This is the same advice as is always given here on VK's forums before using an old radio or TV, except that with antique appliances there are usually no capacitors to replace; however, the wiring and thermostat may well need to be replaced before the roaster can be safely used. The usual warning regarding leaving an antique appliance (especially one with a heating element) unattended when in operation -- after the appliance is properly restored, of course -- applies here as well.

You're only partially right on some of your observations.
50 years is not old for an appliance. Furthermore, they didn't use rubber insulated wire on the inside of the roaster. They used asbestos insulated wire. All you have to do is remove the bottom cover and inspect it. You'll find a layer of fiberglass insulation. The t'stat is probably OK.
The power cord should be available in the older type hardware store, such as long established Ace stores. The plug used is known as a JUMBO plug.
I bought a few of them at thrift shops. The newer ones are neoprene rubber and 16 AWG, as these units are 1000 watts and better.