In one of my bedrooms I noticed that when I switched the light on, there was kind of crackling noise so i took the cover to have a look and noticed the cables were very sticky and there was some sticky blue fluid on the bottom rim of the cover.My bathroom light, which is on the same circuit ,also tends to flicker on and off , sometimes staying off altogether for some time.Does anyone know what the problem might be? Thanks
lighting switch cable seems to be melting
- Thread starter donmaico
- Start date
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Is it a green slime?
If so, unfortunately common with some 1960s cable.
If so, unfortunately common with some 1960s cable.
green goo/di-isoctyl phthalate
common in wiring around 1965-71, generally does not effect the insulation of cable. I would be check the cable for loose connection and faulty switch contacts.
common in wiring around 1965-71, generally does not effect the insulation of cable. I would be check the cable for loose connection and faulty switch contacts.
yes greenish
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friend of mine is bringing a new switch for me tomorrow so i'll change that
http://www.elekeiroz.com.br/EN/products/MSDS/Dioctyl Phthalate - DOP.pdf
I would clean any residue and check copper is clean on cable ends, wear PPE and isolate circuit prior to this.
I would clean any residue and check copper is clean on cable ends, wear PPE and isolate circuit prior to this.
New switch and cleaning the cable will only be a temporary fix - the problem will return.
All of the cable needs to be replaced.
All of the cable needs to be replaced.
Try and loop the wires at the bottom so the fluid doesn't get into the switch.
yes i thought it might need it, so i was looking really in terms of temporary fix
what is PPE ? I usually just switch off the trip switch before attempting anything
It doesn't get better!
I think one probably needs to be careful about the terminology here. AFAIAA 'latex' is a generic term which encompasses hundreds of things (both plant-derived and synthetic), some of which are rubber - and I haven't a clue as to which are (and are not) recommended for use in relation to 'green slime'!.
Kind Regards, John
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