Do you have a green gooey substance oozing out from your plug sockets or switches? Here’s what it means, and what you should do about it…
WHAT IS IT?
The green goo, or green slime, is degraded di-isoctylphthalate and is the result of a chemical reaction between decomposing plasticiser and the copper conductors of PVC cable. It is often found in older installations where older or cheaper PVC cable has been used. However this green goo can still be found occasionally even in newer PVC cable, the chemical reaction process between the plasticiser and the copper conductors can be accelerated by high temperatures, overloaded circuits and loose connections.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
You don’t need to be an electricical services provider to know that green gunk coming out your socket is not good!
You need to take extra care if contaminated outlets are within reach of children, touching or digesting the substance can become extremely hazardous as Di-isoctylphthalate is a toxic substance!
If you do touch the substance, ensure you wash your hands and don’t touch your mouth or eyes as it can cause rashes. You should also be aware that the green goo is a liquid, and thus its possible for it to conduct electricity, posing the possible risk of electric shock!
The biggest risk however from the green goo is electrical fires…. Electrical fires can result in severe damage to your home as well as put your family and loved one at risk!
THE SOLUTION!
Simply wiping away the green goo will not do the trick, the problem will persist and this will only increase your rick of an electrical fire.
Once green goo has been discovered it is highly recommended that the affected area be re-wired.
The rest of the electrical installation should also be checked over to ensure the problem isn’t wide spread throughout the home.
The best case scenario is that only one portion of the installation will need to be re-wired, the worst can scenario may be that the entire house needs re-wiring, and although this can be expensive and a hassle, its better than losing your property, belongings, or loved ones in an electrical fire!
RH Electrical Services has dealt with green goo many times, often managing to just replace small sections of an electrical installation to remedy to problem. If you have green goo then don’t wait to get in touch with us. Call us today! We can carry out an electrical inspection of your property as well as give you a no obligation free quote for any work that needs done.