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Electrical Wiring

What is this green stuff?

16 years ago

I am sure it is copper corrosion but it is oozing out of the receptical slots. Wet stuff. What is the cause? In a tile backsplash that I installed several months ago.Changed from formica. Just started to show up in a couple of the recepticals. I removed the cover and everything looks good and clean. Just coming out the slots. Any ideas as to what is causing it and better yet how to stop it? Could be humidity from the sink or D/W I guess but it never happend in the prior thirth years? Strange!! Thanks

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Comments (7)

jason1083
16 years ago
its some kinda corrosion on the contacts inside I think. The GFCI in my bathroom is the same way.
davidandkasie
16 years ago
green ooze and it's wet? sure sounds like copper corrosion to me.
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brickeyee
16 years ago
Something has been sprayed into the receptacle or is dripping onto it.
If it was dripping it should also be present in the box.
How often do you use a spray cleaner on the counters or backsplash?
mikie_gw
16 years ago
Remember those guys - 'Ghost Busters'
Better call em quick.
jrice
Original Author
16 years ago
As far as I know a spray has never been used. Maybe a damp cloth once in a while. Gotta believe it is moisture from the sink or the D/W entering the receptical but it never happened before. Ghost Busters may be in order. They have been to the local Air Museum checking on a ghost so maybe I can get em to stop by.
cobraguy
16 years ago
I would change out every affected receptacle immediately. Cut an old one apart and I think you will be amazed at what's going on in there. If this is a continuing problem that you can't fix, plan on a regular schedule of receptacle replacement.
solarpowered
16 years ago
Hubbell's hospital-grade receptacles are nickel-plated to prevent corrosion. They might be a solution to your problem, after you have understood what is causing the problem.

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