Green Discharge from Electrical Socket??

Shrimp_Stu

We have recently moved into an old 1930's semi detached and I have noticed that from one of the plug sockets in our bedroom a green discharge from the electrical sockets( I believe that the house was rewired in the 1980's).
I am perplexed as to what this could be - although one of the plug sockets works perfectly the other one now no longer works.
Can anyone enlighten me as to what this green "discharge" could possibly be?
Thanks
SJ

Flimber

A water drip somewhere interacting with the copper within the socket, by the sounds of it. Not ideal

Mike.

Midas

Yes, got to be water & copper mix I think.

You should probably get it checked out by a professional, to make sure it's safe.

Shrimp_Stu

Thanks guys - I dont like the sound of that - could be an expensive job (especially as we are having windows fitted at the moment!) - could lead to rewiring the whole house ???

Rhino666

Hopefully it won't need a rewire. The green discharge is caused by localised water getting into the socket and causing verdigris on the metal, helped with the heat of the socket.

With a bit of luck you will be able to stop the water leak at source and just replace the damaged socket.

I would hope that your house has been rewired with solid core copper, plastic coated and shrouded wire throughout. If not then I'm afraid a rewire may be in order.

Mr_Proctalgia

It could be plasticiser coming out of the insulation, this is caused by PVC being in contact with polystyrene insulation, it is a green gunge and did occur around that time. I would turn the power off and examine the rear of the socket to see if the insulation has gone hard and crumbly.

Shrimp_Stu

Mr_Proctalgia wrote:

It could be plasticiser coming out of the insulation, this is caused by PVC being in contact with polystyrene insulation, it is a green gunge and did occur around that time. I would turn the power off and examine the rear of the socket to see if the insulation has gone hard and crumbly.

We are having new u-PVC windows installed at the moment and this has just occurred - is it pure coincidence??

Mr_Proctalgia

Is the socket under the window?

trops

I would suspect that the wiring within your home is around 35 years old. Back in the 70's there was a copper shortage. To make copper go further they mixed it with aluminium. Unfortunately these two elements clash and the result is that they effect the PVC insulation of the cable.

The Copper Philate, or Green Goo as it is better known, is not that detrementle to your health, however, it corrodes the terminals within the lights switches, power points etc.

To be safe I would recommend that you contact an NIC approved electrical contractor and have them undertake a full Periodic Test and Inspection of the wiring within your home.

The report will highlight any problems.

rammy007

we had the same problem in our old kitchen it was condensation/moisture from the tumble dryer that was in the air

howalsh

Get it checked out by a professional - if it is that the electrics need replacing, try putting a little pressure on your surveyor - you did have a survey done didnt you?
Not an expert but thats what i would do.