Colours of old wires in old upright hair dryer Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[VixF]

Hello
Please forgive my naivety but I am mightily confused! I’m looking into turning an old morphy richards salonaire upright hair dryer into a lamp. The wires in the cable from the hairdryer (past the switch) are blue, brown and 2 black. Does anyone kindly know which one is which? I think it was probably made in the 1960s in Germany. I don’t know if their wire colours were different. Many thanks for any guidance! Vix

[Mr White]

It would be down to the designers of the hair dryer what colour does what.
You really should test it to find out, either that or re wire it.

I would also point out, I have seen countless old fire extinguishers "turned into lights" they look awful, why spoil something that is rare?

[VixF]

Thank you Mr White for your advice about the wires. I will certainly get them checked. I thought there was some standardisation.
I didn’t ask for your opinion but since you offered it... I don’t really need it as a hairdryer and I don’t have space for both it and a lamp. It may as well have a new lease of life. It may be awful to you but it won’t be in your lounge so that’s ok.
Thank you.

[ericmark]

It may have been made in Germany but it was for the British market, 240 volt not 220 volt, so likely there was some wall mounted control using the black wires, maybe some timer or heat adjustment, but as said you will need to open and test.

[VixF]

Many thanks ericmark.