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Is it safe to leave my vintage sewing machine plugged in when not in use?

Short answer: probably, but it’s safer not to.

Those motor controllers are 50+ years old, and most haven’t been adjusted since they left the factory. Old wiring gets brittle, contacts can stick, and though rare, a pedal can heat up even when you’re not sewing.

Best practice is simple: always unplug your machine when you’re done. That applies to every vintage setup, under-cabinet motors, knee bars, and standard foot pedals.