Do things break over time without use?

Question

Do things break over time without use?

Such as: electronic clocks, car A/C, etc.

Answer 1

usually they dont. It is possible when you put a battery in a shut off device the battery may start leaking over time, causing the device to break. (such as a digital camera) Other then that, i should think not.

Answer 2

Some do. Electrolytic capacitors, usually found in the power supplies of most electronic devices, require periodic energizing in order to function properly. If any electronic device has been powered off for several years, you should slowly apply voltage, using a suitably rated varistor to the device to bring it up instead of just plugging it in the wall and turning it on. IF you do just plug it in and hear a loud pop (or series of pops), smell smoke, or see a flash, It most likely the caps.