What Is That Green Goo in Your Sockets? A Guide from Daton Electrical Services Ltd NICEIC Registered Electricians
Published: 22 May 2025
What Is Green Goo?
Green goo is caused by a reaction between copper and the plasticiser used in old electrical cable insulation — mostly found in wiring from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Over time, the cable insulation breaks down, and the result is a sticky, green, corrosive substance that can ooze out of electrical fittings.
⚠️ Is It Dangerous?
Yes — green goo isn’t just unpleasant, it can be a sign of potential electrical hazards. It can:
- Damage sockets, switches and connections
- Cause poor conductivity and overheating
- Pose a fire risk
- Complicate future electrical repairs
What Should You Do?
If you see green goo:
- Avoid touching it, especially with the power on
- Call a qualified NICEIC registered electrician, like Daton Electrical Services Ltd
- Carry out a full electrical inspection to ascertain the extent of the problem, you won’t be able to stop the problem but may be able to prolong the life of your installation by cleaning the cables, replacing the effected accessories and carrying out more frequent testing on the cables.
- Plan for a rewire if needed — this type of wiring is outdated and potentially unsafe
✅ Let Daton Electrical Services Ltd Help
Green goo is your home’s way of telling you something’s not right. Our NICEIC registered team will inspect the issue, provide clear advice, and carry out any necessary work to keep your home safe and up to current standards.
Call us today on 0118 9567645 for friendly, professional advice.
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Daton Electrical Services Blog
What Is That Green Goo in Your Sockets? A Guide from Daton Electrical Services Ltd NICEIC Registered Electricians
22 May 2025 - Posted by:
At Daton Electrical Services Ltd, we occasionally come across something that surprises homeowners — green goo leaking from sockets or light switches. While it may look odd, it’s not a joke or a gimmick — it’s a sign of aged electrical wiring that needs pr
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We are incredibly proud to mark 30 years as an approved NICEIC member! Since day one, our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality electrical work has been at the heart of everything we do.
What our customers say about us
"Daton have done several jobs as part of the kitchen projects my company design and install.
I find Dave and the team knowledgeable, responsive and flexible to the requirements of the jobs - from a consumer unit replacement in a sheltered housing complex requiring strict compliance and certification to installing a new radial circuit for a range cooker with less than 24 hours' notice or upgrading cooker and socket circuits for a replacement kitchen in a period property that required fitments in keeping with the traditional interior - it was all completed professionally, to regulation and most importantly to the clients complete satisfaction.
I do not have any reservations in recommending Daton for any electrical project."
Colin Tomkins
Director of SystemXL
