green gue

[Farmelectrics]

been asked to replace brass sockets and light switches to crome in a 3 bed house had a little look sat and when i removed 1 socket face seen there was the dreaded green gue now im not to sure about taking job on as i dont want to disturb cables as ive previously read on here it should be rewired your thoughts please

 

[jeremy]

Do an IR test and make sure you wash your hands. Every time I've come across this the IR has come out woefully low and rewire of affected circuits has been necessary, but apparently just the sight of it doesn't warrant such extreme measures. Don't lick it either, I don't think it's good for you!

 

[Farmelectrics]

jeremy didnt want to disturb it in case moving it trips breaker or am i being a bit of a drama queen lol

 

[jeremy]

I wouldn't have thought that just by gently moving the faceplates would cause it to trip, but you never know what's lurking! I'd IR test the circuits before disturbing anything else, just so you've a better idea what you're dealing with.

 

[Farmelectrics]

ill take tester and ir them the customer has brought all the crome fittings so feel as i cant let them down but your right ill IR circuts before i disturb any thing cheers

 

[Mark_Burgess]

I have found in the past that it is usually electrically sound, now if it were VIR then you more than likely have a problem.
Keep a tub of the Stanley antibacterial wipes with you (tradepoint have it on offer), it cleans your hands very well.

 

[Dave 85]

If you get in on yer hands don't scratch yer nuts, pick yer nose then rub yer eyes. You'll be in a sorry state

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Green gunge (also known as green goo) is sometimes seen exuding from the ends of older PVC insulated and sheathed cable. It is normally seen in cables made in the 1960s and 1970s, caused by the addition of an anti-oxidant added to the insulation mix, ironically, to extend the temperature range of the cable. This particular anti-oxidant is not use in modern PVC cables, because an unintended consequence of its use was to increase green goo production in heat stressed cables.
Its origin is the plasticiser used to provide flexibility in the PVC polymer compound. This is generally di-octyl phthalate, which over time or with excessive heat has reacted with the copper conductors to produce copper phthalate (hence the green colour) suspended in the liquid plasticiser.
[FONT=&amp]Although there does not appear to be a problem with the electrical performance or safety of the cable itself, any exuded gunge should be removed as it can cause corrosion or affect the action of switches and terminations, potentially resulting in tracking / overheating. It can also cause cosmetic problems such as staining. Although it is possible to clean-up local isolated extrusions with soft cloths soaked Mentholated Spirit, this is only likely to be a temporary solution as further leakage will continue. The affected circuits should be rewired as soon as possible.
There is evidence to suggest 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. However, the green goo may have detrimental effects on both accessories (in appearance and functionality) and their surrounding decorative finishes. Unfortunately, where an installation is seriously affected by the deficiency, the only practicable solution is to rewire the premises and replace any damaged electrical equipment.
There are Health and Safety issues of retaining, working with and the disposal of contaminated wiring and accessories. As the material is a health concern, it should be handled with care – gloves should be worn at all times and waste disposed of properly. Deposits of the product must not be permitted to be exposed for causal contact, particularly in areas accessible to children.
In cases where a property is to be completely rewired, redundant materials should be disconnected and removed from site. Di-isoctyl phthalate is a toxic substance and suitable protective clothing should be worn when handling waste materials. Special attention should be paid to personal hygiene when working on contaminated installations. Waste should be disposed of in suitable labelled bags or containers and collected by registered Waste Disposal Contractors.[/FONT]

 

[Engineer54]

I have found in the past that it is usually electrically sound, now if it were VIR then you more than likely have a problem.
Keep a tub of the Stanley antibacterial wipes with you (tradepoint have it on offer), it cleans your hands very well.

It was a problem with the PVC plasticiser in cable produced around the 70's, so your not going to find any VIR/TRS/CRS cables producing Green Goo....

 

[somersetsparks]

I've tested lots of nasty cables, most test out at 200+ meg Ohms. It is nasty stuff though and will crack your skin if you leave it on ther, get some blue gloves and some wet wipes and you will be fine. I normally only advise on a PIR if I find green goo, as electrically the installation is normally sound.
Believe it is a problem with cables from 66 -71 only and even then only certain brands.

 

[Farmelectrics]

Thanks guys think I'll take that job on lol

 

[Mark_Burgess]

It was a problem with the PVC plasticiser in cable produced around the 70's, so your not going to find any VIR/TRS/CRS cables producing Green Goo....

Ooops, I was not suggesting the goo from it, maybe should have mentioned how a slight movement of the socket can cause the knackered VIR to split fall apart like scaley skin.

 

[Engineer54]

My experience with VIR and TRS type cables is that all the damage is usually at termination points, and caused primarily by excessive heat at lighting points and overloading of socket circuits. (mainly due to the lack of provided sockets in old installations)

When i rewired my parents house, that was all wired in TRS, in the early 90's. The bulk of the cable between points were as sound as the day they were installed. So much so, i used the TRS T&E 7/029 to wire out the sockets in steel conduit of my fathers garage/workshop.