Why did 2 holes in my outlet turn blue

[KathyG]

Why did 2 holes in my outlet turn blue

 

[telectrix]

need a bit more info. e.g. pics? some cable made in the 60's (over here anyway) reacted and produced a greenish slime, which tended to leak out at outlets.

 

[littlespark]

need a bit more info. e.g. pics? some cable made in the 60's (over here anyway) reacted and produced a greenish slime, which tended to leak out at outlets.

Ectoplasm.... who you gonna call?

 

[KathyG]

need a bit more info. e.g. pics? some cable made in the 60's (over here anyway) reacted and produced a greenish slime, which tended to leak out at outlets.

OK. I'll try to send pic. Thank you

 

[KathyG]

OK. I'll try to send pic. Thank you

 

[KathyG]

OK. I'll try to send pic. Thank you

 

[loz2754]

Green goo. Or verdigris. Do a search online. It's the result of an additive that was used to make the PVC cables in the 70s.

 

[westward10]

Maybe @Megawatt can shed some light as to whether this is a problem in the States as well as here.

 

[pc1966]

Any chance that there has been water seeping in to the back of the socket?

In any case the socket should be replaced, and if the cable is degrading that as well.

If it is only the socket (e.g. water damage) then that is a fairly easy DIY change if you have the knowledge, but if you are unsure in any way we would simply advise you to get a local electrician in to check/fix it. If you have any doubts about the advice/quotation from them then come back for more advice and one of our USA members such as @Megawatt is likely to be in a position to advise.

 

[DPG]

When I first read the original post I thought it was some sort of medical issue.

 

[telectrix]

i guessed it straight away. the pic. tells all. (and i've not even had my breakfast beer yet).

 

[KathyG]

Green goo. Or verdigris. Do a search online. It's the result of an additive that was used to make the PVC cables in the 70s.

Thank you for your help.

 

[KathyG]

Any chance that there has been water seeping in to the back of the socket?

In any case the socket should be replaced, and if the cable is degrading that as well.

If it is only the socket (e.g. water damage) then that is a fairly easy DIY change if you have the knowledge, but if you are unsure in any way we would simply advise you to get a local electrician in to check/fix it. If you have any doubts about the advice/quotation from them then come back for more advice and one of our USA members such as @Megawatt is likely to be in a position to advise.

Thank you very much for your advice. This all makes sense to me now. I am calling electrician and someone to check my roof right away. I wasn't sure if roof was leaking in the next room in very small area along the crown moulding. I can't thank you enough for your reply!

 

[KathyG]

Any chance that there has been water seeping in to the back of the socket?

In any case the socket should be replaced, and if the cable is degrading that as well.

If it is only the socket (e.g. water damage) then that is a fairly easy DIY change if you have the knowledge, but if you are unsure in any way we would simply advise you to get a local electrician in to check/fix it. If you have any doubts about the advice/quotation from them then come back for more advice and one of our USA members such as @Megawatt is likely to be in a position to advise.

Yes

 

[telectrix]

it may not be water ingress. as suggested, it could be the pvc and copper in the wires reacting.