11/06/2020
Do you have green slime dripping from your switches, sockets or fuses? You should ask an electrician to test your house wiring's insulation resistance, the green slime may have caused the insulation to degrade over time.
The slime is called degraded di-isoctyl phthalate
The Electrical Safety Office has investigated the possible safety issues of a green oily substance exuded by some thermoplastic insulated and sheathed cables. The results were that:
- The affected cables are V60 and V75 type PVC insulated and sheathed cables.
- The substance is a plasticiser used in the manufacture of the cable.
-The release of the substance is initiated and exacerbated by high ambient temperatures such as can be found in ceiling spaces and in hotter climates.
- The substance is not conductive and therefore not liable to electrical tracking.
- The presence of the substance will not alter the flame propagation characteristics of the cable.
- The presence of the substance does not necessitate replacement of the cable.
-Cables should be assessed for replacement only when insulation tests reveal failure or when cracking of the insulation becomes apparent.
- The green exudate is mildly toxic and can cause burning and irritation, especially to mucous membranes such as in the eyes, nose and mouth.
- There has been no epidemiological link established with cancer in humans.
