Understanding the Damaged Back of an Old Record/TV Console

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issues related to a damaged Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) in an old record/TV console, particularly focusing on the implications of a broken seal and the potential risks involved, including concerns about toxicity and electrical safety. Participants explore the mechanics of CRT operation and the consequences of air entering the tube.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about potential toxicity from gases leaking out of the damaged CRT, questioning whether they should be worried.
  • Another participant explains that the hissing sound is likely due to air leaking into the CRT rather than toxic gases escaping, noting that the risk of implosion decreases as air enters.
  • A further contribution details the operation of the CRT, emphasizing the importance of the vacuum and the potential for loss of picture display if air has entered.
  • Concerns are raised about high voltage arcing, with a suggestion to check for arcing along the high voltage wire, while also advising caution and proper safety measures when handling the CRT.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mechanics of the CRT and the implications of the broken seal, but there is uncertainty regarding the safety of the situation, particularly concerning the potential for toxic gases and electrical hazards.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific nature of the damage and the exact risks involved, as well as the lack of consensus on the safety of the CRT in its current state.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in vintage electronics, particularly those dealing with CRT technology and safety concerns related to damaged equipment.

3sisters28
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First you will have to forgive me for being uneducated in this area.

I have an old record/tv console I bought with plans of upgrading it with a flat screen tv.
When I brought it in my house the back of the tv was damaged and the piece of the tube tv was exposed. None of the glass was broken but it is like the seal was broken. And now it is making kind of a hissin noise inside of the tv. I am not sure what happened. Are there any gases coming out of it that are toxic? The spot that was damaged looks like the bottom of a light bulb where it meets the metal threaded part. So if you pull a light bulb out of something that it is screwed to tight into and you only get the glass part out that is basically what happened with the back of the tv. What should I do. Anything toxic leaking or am I being too worried?
 
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Inside the tube there is a vacuum in other words the air has been removed.If the seal is broken the hissing sound you hear will be air leaking in rather than gases leaking out.If the glass has been weakened there is a small chance of implosion but this reduces as more air leaks in.The air flow and hissing sound should stop when the pressure inside and outside the tube equalise.
 
Thank you so much. I feel like such a dork but was just not sure what was going on. I feel a lot better. Thanks so much.
 
The Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) operates with a vacuum inside. This is because electrons flow from the cathode, located in the rear where the glass/metal interface is and the anode, the viewing surface. Now, if your glass/metal interface is broken it may be leaking, just as Dadface said above. The volume of the CRT is not so large, and if air has leaked into it it will cease to display a picture.

If you continue to hear a hissing it may be arcing of High Voltage. You will see a large rubber-insulated wire connected to the CRT near the front face. This wire carries around 15,000 volts (15KV) to the anode from the High Voltage Power Supply. You can check for arcing by listening along this wire with a cardboard tube against your ear. Often this is caused by a loose connection. DO NOT TOUCH that wire! If you can localize the source of the hissing sound, turn the set off and wait. The HV circuit usually has a "bleeder" resistor which bleeds off the HV. Do NOT trust this, however. After ~10 minutes you should use a long probe, grounded at one end, to touch the HV connector to discharge it before touching.
 

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