What it is:

 

So what is the Dreaded Green Goo that will appear in any house built around a certain time in Radstock, Paulton or Stoke St Micheal in Somerset? It’s caused by the insulation on older electrical cables (typically PVC from the 60s-70s) breaking down over time. That insulation contains chemicals called plasticisers, which slowly leak out as the cable ages.

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Those chemicals react with the copper inside the wire, and that’s what creates the green, oily residue.

 

Why it shows up in sockets:

• Ageing wiring (usually 40+ years old)

• Warmth from electrical load over time

• Connections that have been undisturbed for years

 

Is it dangerous?

Not immediately — but it’s not something to ignore either.

It can:

• Affect how well the terminals grip the cable

• Lead to poor connections and tripping circuit breakers

• Cause heat build-up over time

 

What to do next:

If you’ve opened a socket and seen it:

• Don’t touch it if you’re unsure — isolate the circuit if possible

• It’s worth getting it checked properly

• In many cases, the connection can be cleaned and remade safely

• But if it’s widespread, it might be a sign the wiring is getting towards replacement age

If you want, tell me roughly how old the house is and where you’ve found it (just one socket or a few places), and I can give you a better idea of what you’re dealing with 👍