black oil stuff dripping out of cutout

[ExArmy]

just been to price for a board change and some remedial works, i noticed the cutout has a black puddle below it, and it's dripping out from inside it. sort of like a black oily stuff.
anyone seen this before??

 

[mechelec]

From the look of it, is is oil from the paper lead cable migrating through the pitch, softening it. This often happens if the cutout is at a low point compared to the rest of the service ie in a basement or on a hill. If it was caused by a hot cutout the pitch leaves a nice lump on the floor not like the oily patch you have got, Also the pitch can migrate upwards in the cutout making it nigh on impossible to get the fuse out.

 

[ExArmy]

update: well as soon as the customer phoned the DNO they were straight out to fix it, they said it was nothing to worry about and it might happen again, but they fitted a new cutout and earth clamp anyway.

 

[Knobhead]

At least some good came of the episode then :hurray:

 

[PEG]

They're on the "pitch" - they think it's all over.........:biggrinjester:

 

[sparkymalarky]

oh dear! Cringe-worthy lol! :ban::smartass2: