Green Goo.

securespark · 11 Apr 2007

Found this in my kitchen today..Argghhhhh!

BS2004 Twin & Earth dating to approx. mid 60's.

It is not there anymore....

bondy · 11 Apr 2007

looks to me like degraded diisoctyl phthalate. it is thought to be caused by a chemical reaction between the copper conductor and the pvc insulation. it was a common problem on houses wired between the mid 60s and early 70s.

bondy · 11 Apr 2007

oh, also if you have got the goo on your puds, and you go to the loo. then kiss good buy to your winky. seek medical advice my freind.

RobFurn · 11 Apr 2007

Theres a section on this in GN1 Pages 115 -116 "Plasticiser migration from PVC insulation to the conductor surface"

empip · 11 Apr 2007

Queensland Govn. Oz.

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/electricalsafety/publications/alerts/slime/index.htm

[code:1]Green exudate seeping from PVC

Issued 4/1996
Reissued 11/2005 and 11/2006

The Electrical Safety Office has investigated the possible safety issues of a green oily substance exuded by some thermoplastic insulated and sheathed cables. The results were that:
- The affected cables are V60 and V75 type PVC insulated and sheathed cables.

- The substance is a plasticiser used in the manufacture of the cable.

-The release of the substance is initiated and exacerbated by high ambient temperatures such as can be found in ceiling spaces and in hotter climates.

- The substance is not conductive and therefore not liable to electrical tracking.

- The presence of the substance will not alter the flame propagation characteristics of the cable.

- The presence of the substance does not necessitate replacement of the cable.

-Cables should be assessed for replacement only when insulation tests reveal failure or when cracking of the insulation becomes apparent.

- The green exudate is mildly toxic and can cause burning and irritation, especially to mucous membranes such as in the eyes, nose and mouth.

- There has been no epidemiological link established with cancer in humans.

- The substance is not water soluble and should be removed from hands using an oil solvent type of cleanser. Methylated spirits is a suitable solvent for cleaning the substance from switch plates etc. Caution: do not use excessive amounts of methylated spirits as it could create a fire hazard. Power to any electrical equipment and sockets must be turned off at the switchboard, and the methylated spirits should be applied using a dampened cloth.

In some cases, such as behind light switches or socket outlets, the amount of exudate can be reduced by forming a drip loop in the cables below the terminal. This must be carried out by a licensed electrical worker only.

Last updated October 31, 2006[/code:1]

I have seen a report of the exudate being found in and around electrical gear at a nuclear power station in the US ... Advice pretty much as above.

EddieCurrent · 11 Apr 2007

Hello All,
An estate around my area is the worst I have seen.

Sorry about the picture quality.

The lights are in one house, and the sockets are in a kitchen around the corner.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u315/exwomble/PhonePictures034.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u315/exwomble/PhonePictures032.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u315/exwomble/PhonePictures023.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u315/exwomble/PhonePictures021.jpg

Lucas Cable company maybe !

Were the conductors stranded too, Securespark ??

Ed.

ricicle · 11 Apr 2007

Di-octyl phthalate used to be used in our factory.The warning label said -

"May cause infertlity/harm to the unborn baby"

DESL · 11 Apr 2007

IEEs comments on greening

It is most prevalent in cables made between 1965 and 1971. The gunge is degraded di-isoctyl phthalate and is the result of the reaction between the plasticiser in the insulation and the copper. Between 1965 and 1971 the temperature performance of PVC was uprated by the inclusion of an anti-oxidant in to the PVC. An unappreciated side effect was that the anti-oxidant encouraged the production of exudate.

Evidence suggests that high ambient temperatures accelerate the process. The exudate is of low flammability and low toxicity. Although unsightly it does not reduce the electrical integrity of the conductor or the insulation.

Green exudate from PVC

Draft BCA statement (April 2001)

1) PVC

PVC comes in two main grades, plasticised and unplasticised PVC.

Unplasticised PVC (UPVC) is used for example in double glazing window frames where a rigid material is required.

The PVC used for manufacture of cables is a plasticised PVC that conforms to the relevant British Standard for the cable type in question.

2) Ageing effects

As a cable ages; (at temperatures above normal ambient), the elongation to break decreases (also the Insulation Resistance increases). The life expectancy of a cable is arbitrarily considered to be when the elongation to break of the PVC is 50%.
A lower elongation to break value could be considered suitable especially for a fixed wiring cable. Therefore, providing the cable is not subject to movement or when moved due to inspection of socket outlet or the like, the PVC does not crack, a much lower value of elongation to break is considered by some as suitable.

3) Greening

Greening is the appearance of a wet green substance that is a product of an adverse reaction between certain types of plasticiser and the copper conductors. This greening, which is a rare occurrence, can happen either after a long period of time for some cables, or if the cable has been severely overheated.
The plasticiser itself is a clear oily liquid that is non conductive. The green substance is a combination of copper oxide and plasticiser which may become conductive under certain adverse conditions.

4) Action if Greening is found

Therefore whenever this green substance is found at socket outlets etc. initially it should be removed and the terminations cleaned (gloves should be used) otherwise it is possible that tracking/overheating may occur. It is strongly recommended that rewiring should be carried out as soon as possible.

securespark · 11 Apr 2007

Stranded? Yes, they were. 7/.029.

il78 · 11 Apr 2007

EddieCurrent said:
Hello All,
An estate around my area is the worst I have seen.
Sorry about the picture quality.

The lights are in one house, and the sockets are in a kitchen around the corner.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u315/exwomble/PhonePictures034.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u315/exwomble/PhonePictures032.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u315/exwomble/PhonePictures023.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u315/exwomble/PhonePictures021.jpg

Lucas Cable company maybe !

Were the conductors stranded too, Securespark ??

Ed.

Thats either the house from the amityville horror or washing up liquid....

Seriously though....thats the worse I've ever seen....

EddieCurrent · 11 Apr 2007

Hello,
To be honest, the one householder (the one with the light pic's) has asked me to replace all his pendants, batten holders,switches etc, as he is decorating. I've had to turn that one down I'm afraid.

This is all 'stranded' too securespark, making it a pain in the rrr's to work with.
Ed.

DESL · 11 Apr 2007

My encounters with green goo have been with white outer sheath, solid conductor T&E circa 1975.

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Green Goo.

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