Can plugging/unplugging Guitat cables - Bad Consequences for Pedals?

[LeoTender]

Can plugging in and unplugging a cable into a guitar hurt effects pedals (especially when they are turned on)?

I'm asking because I have put my tuner at the end of the effects chain the other day and I always have my compressor on. Should I change back?

 

[bholder]

I would always put the tuner first so it gets the cleanest signal.

 

[LeoTender]

I would always put the tuner first so it gets the cleanest signal.

I always turn off all my pedals (except the comp which doesn't shift the pitch) when I tune between songs anyway. Also, my bass is active so signal loss is not an issue.

 

[bholder]

I always turn off all my pedals (except the comp which doesn't shift the pitch) when I tune between songs anyway. Also, my bass is active so signal loss is not an issue.

It's not signal loss that's the concern, it's the possibility of pitch-changing affects (chorus, phasers, etc.) could screw up the tuning - not a problem if you turn off the other pedals.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

What makes you ask? I don't see any reason it should hurt the pedals, but it is bad for your speakers if you aren't muting your signal somewhere along the chain.

 

[LeoTender]

What makes you ask? I don't see any reason it should hurt the pedals, but it is bad for your speakers if you aren't muting your signal somewhere along the chain.

I'm asking because I don't understand anything about electronics

I figured that if the peak of unplugging can damage the speakers, it might also put too much stress on the components of an effects pedal.