Waxy wire

Swiss Tony · 20 Jul 2006

My house is a 1960's excouncil house with I assume original wiring.

When I have changed the light fittings I have noticed that the wires have a waxy horrible goo on them, smells like earwax, and is a bit green. (From the copper I imagine). I am sure it is on the power ringmain too.

Its not gushing out, but is there in a dribble.

Anyone know what it is and if I need to do anything about it?

Am in the middle of building a huge extension so if I need to rewire, nows the time, although I could do without the extra work if its normal.

Swiss

Steve · 20 Jul 2006

you need a rewire if it is original. Can you open up a couple of fittings and take a picture for us?

SparkyMarky · 20 Jul 2006

If you go to the IEE wiring regulations forums (http://www.theiet.org/Forums/forum/) and search for "green goo", all should become clear.....

Swiss Tony · 20 Jul 2006

Wow, thanks for that.

It does say that it is quite rare. Does anyone want to buy some old cable with green goo in it?

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.
If further information is required, the original cable manufacturer should
be contacted.

Best not pick my nose while sorting this out then! Thanks for the info

Swiss

ban-all-sheds · 20 Jul 2006

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//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=33923

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=28804
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RF Lighting · 20 Jul 2006

The green goo is pretty rare. I can only remember coming across it twice since I started sparking.

securespark · 5 Sep 2006

Sorry, could not resist!!

It's because of the green goo that you're sparking...

dingbat · 5 Sep 2006

Swiss Tony said:
My house is a 1960's excouncil house with I assume original wiring...

Am in the middle of building a huge extension so if I need to rewire, nows the time...

So, take your own advice. It is a hugely false economy to do a job twice and I absolutely (well, almost) guarantee that if you have the original wiring it needs completely replacing. We've rewired dozens of these types of property and we have never yet come across one that wasn't riddled with DIY alterations - cables run unprotected in notches, unfathomable circuit arrangements, discontinuous earthing, no bonding, etc, etc, etc...

Do it now and rest easy.

diynot

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Waxy wire

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