Unplugged Demagnitizer - Risks?

[puma1552]

Probably a dumb question, but just curious. I just received one of those cheap blue box demagnetizers off Amazon for like $12 just so I have it if need be at some point.

Obviously this thing has huge magnets inside it. Obviously it can be used to demagnetize items when used properly, and actually used to magnetize items when used improperly. Both of these are possible when plugged in and pressing the button when a strong current is run through the bank of magnets inside.

But what about when it is unplugged in storage? Can the magnets inside still pose a risk of magnetizing something nearby? I was just putting it in my watch tool storage drawers and realized as I was setting it near my watch tools that I don't want those tools magnetized inadvertently just from proximity (1-2").

Is there any reason to be worried about these demagnetizers inadvertently magnetizing something just based on the presence of the magnets inside, without any current going through the demagnetizer?

Forgive me, for I am a chemical engineer, not an electrical. Electricity is sorcery to me.

[Stan Cooper]

The demagnetizer is an electromagnet, which is a soft metal core with copper wire wrapped around it. It only has a magnetic field when it's plugged in and the red button is depressed. If it's not plugged in, it won't magnetize anything.

[puma1552]

Perfect, exactly the type of answer I was looking for - thanks. Good to know it's completely harmless when unplugged with no current passing through it.