Disconnected earth - safe to use

woodworm

Recently bought this Akai reel to reel from a local auction which came from a deceased  estate but not too sure it's safe to plug in.  The earth wire on the plug has been bent back and where it goes into the  back seems to to have come Away.  The white "threading " is from inside the black wire. 

Any advice would be appreciated 

https://ibb.co/DPHtdMLM

https://ibb.co/Qfqz4nqd ;

Kittyfrisk

Get it earthed properly ASAP.
Rewiring with modern but period correct type cable would be a simple solution but a good idea.

Nebulous

No problem ascertaining the cause of death then?

prowla

It may be that it was in a Hi-Fi system with a common Earth to combat hum - is there a thumbscrew case earth connector anywhere?
Either way, anything with a metal case should have a safety Earth connection.

ICBM

Get that repaired properly before you even think about plugging it in. The frayed cable at the clamp is potentially dangerous as well as the disconnected earth wire.

Some old hi-fi kit is intended not be be earthed - it's meant to be connected to a single earthed unit (usually the amp - or preamp if there's a separate power amp) to prevent ground loops, but this was clearly fitted with an earthed cable so definitely should be.