Oil from switxh

[chubberoo]

Hi all - as you can see from my pic I have oil coming from switch - I undid it and it seems to be on the wires? Is it a case of a faulty switch and it needs changing?

 

[mfarrow]

Yes, an odd one that! Oil can have a long term impact on the wire insulation, so if you can, cut back to fresh. Do that anyway if there are any signs of burning. If not just clean them up as best you can.

 

[rsgaz]

Is that not the dreaded "dioctyl phthalate"?

Use disposable latex gloves when going anywhere near it, it can cause irritation in any orifice if it gets on your hands, then you rub your eye or whatever else! You might want to check every single socket and switch in the property for the same symptoms.

Google "green goo" and "cable cancer" to see if you are seeing the same stuff.

Gaz

 

[mfarrow]

Thanks Gaz, I had heard about this in railway signalling installations, I didn't realise this applied to domestic wiring as well!

http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=36518

Seems to have things well documented. Cleaning with meths will work even if it turns out just to be oil.

 

[bernardgreen]

Cleaning with meths will work even if it turns out just to be oil

Ensure the power is OFF before using the meths. One spark and the meths will ignite and burn with a near invisible flame that will burn you before you can see the flames.

 

[JohnD]

you can't permanently clean it, because it lies along the cable inside the insulation, and will creep along to drip out of the ends.

You might be able to protect your switch by extending the cores using crimps or a JB, so that drippage doesn't creep into anything important. A clean rag will also rub it off.

View media item 1631(this was an enclosure while I fetched my tools)

 

[Taylortwocities]

It gets worse, after a while

Untitled

• Taylortwocities
• 2 Apr 2010
• 4

Untitled

• Taylortwocities
• 2 Apr 2010
• 4

unfortunately, there is no cure, like certain contributors to this forum.......

 

[securespark]

unfortunately, there is no cure, like certain contributors to this forum.......

Hey, that's not fair! I'm taking the tablets, just like the nice man in the white coat told me to...

 

[Echo the husky]

The proper cure is to replace all the affected cables and accessories.