green gunk

[mogga]

i rememder something about green gunk inside fittings cant find the threads about it could anyone point me in the direction please??

 

[Amp David]

Is this the one?

http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...s-electrical-regulations/32250-green-goo.html

 

[MarkieSparkie]

​

Green goo (also known as green gunge) 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, but not generally seen in modern PVC 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. The material is a health concern, so should be handled with care - gloves should be used and waste disposed of properly. The use methylated spirit can ease the removal of green goo and staining.

Although there does not appear to be a problem with the electrical performance or safety of the cable itself, any exuded goo 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. The affected circuits should be rewired as soon as possible.

 

[ackbarthestar]

There' more about this here.

IET Forums - Green Goo

The short term effects to the human body appear to be insignificant; the long term effects may show a different story.
Research is still ongoing.

 

[Engineer54]

As i remember, it has nothing to do with the age of the cable as such, it was the chemical make-up of the PVC used by certain manufacturers. You'll find just as old and older cables, that will show no sign's of this green goo. BICC and Pirelli T&E cables never suffered from this goo substance, which is basically a chemical reaction between the cooper conductors the associated chemical make-up of the PVC insulation....

 

[mogga]

Iv found it on 2D fittings internal wiring these fittings arent any older than 4 years hence my asking specialy as the staff in the hotel change lamps i was wondering about health stuff and from my own point of view wheather its worthy of a note in the obbs,recs of PIR
Decided to note it as N?A under coding but to have it in there as an obbservation so it can be brought to the powers that be My gaffer also had a link to it as other guys in company had brought it up

Thanks for the links and info guys

 

[telectrix]

well, as a scot, you should be able to make something profitable out of it.LOL.

 

[graeme210375]

Hi all

On the subject of green gunk/goo, could this be a likely cause of nuisance RCD tripping?

On reading various reports, the indication is that it could cause a breakdown of the insulation, althought there is no evidence of this on initial inspection.

Replacing a few old sockets in a customers property, I noticed many of the existing sockets had greed sludge inside. On stripping back the cables, i noticed the green sluge continued into the cable and the cpc was green.

On a bit of further investigation, I discovered a junction box which was not only full of goo, but has appeared to have melted slightly at the cable entry point, although there is no signs of charring to the cable or terminals.


At this point, the property is not occupied as it is being refurbed, so if a rewire is required, now would be the time to do it.

 

[Marvo]

On the subject of green gunk/goo, could this be a likely cause of nuisance RCD tripping?

On reading various reports, the indication is that it could cause a breakdown of the insulation, althought there is no evidence of this on initial inspection.

I've never heard of it causing IR issues but I'm sure a quick test with a Mega tester will confirm.

On a bit of further investigation, I discovered a junction box which was not only full of goo, but has appeared to have melted slightly at the cable entry point, although there is no signs of charring to the cable or terminals.

The green goo is a chemical issue. Melted junction boxes would be cause by something else entirely such as poor terminations or overloading of cables etc.

 

[ackbarthestar]

Hi all

On the subject of green gunk/goo, could this be a likely cause of nuisance RCD tripping?

On reading various reports, the indication is that it could cause a breakdown of the insulation, althought there is no evidence of this on initial inspection.

Replacing a few old sockets in a customers property, I noticed many of the existing sockets had greed sludge inside. On stripping back the cables, i noticed the green sluge continued into the cable and the cpc was green.

On a bit of further investigation, I discovered a junction box which was not only full of goo, but has appeared to have melted slightly at the cable entry point, although there is no signs of charring to the cable or terminals.


At this point, the property is not occupied as it is being refurbed, so if a rewire is required, now would be the time to do it.

IMO it doesn't appear to affect the IR of a circuit but might act as a medium to collect dust and dirt, which when settled across the terminals of switches and sockets will cause inevitable reduction and possible breakdown in insulation values

 

[Engineer54]

Hi all

On the subject of green gunk/goo, could this be a likely cause of nuisance RCD tripping?

On reading various reports, the indication is that it could cause a breakdown of the insulation, althought there is no evidence of this on initial inspection.

Replacing a few old sockets in a customers property, I noticed many of the existing sockets had greed sludge inside. On stripping back the cables, i noticed the green sluge continued into the cable and the cpc was green.

On a bit of further investigation, I discovered a junction box which was not only full of goo, but has appeared to have melted slightly at the cable entry point, although there is no signs of charring to the cable or terminals.


At this point, the property is not occupied as it is being refurbed, so if a rewire is required, now would be the time to do it.

Well one thing you can count on when you find the green goo oozing from these older cables. It's never going to get any better or cure itself. So what would you advise as far as your re-wire question?? lol!!!

 

[graeme210375]

Thanks for all ur help. The ideal would be a rewire, just a bit of a shock to the customer that just wanted a few sockets replaced is now facing a full rewire. Will have to go back and Megger it to isolate the immediate problem then tackle the rewire subject a bit later