What is Green Goo in Electrical Cables?
If you live in Hastings, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Battle, Rye or Pevensey, there’s a good chance your property may have older wiring — and that’s where something known as “green goo” can show up.
Green goo is a sticky green residue that forms inside electrical cables. It’s caused by a chemical reaction between the copper conductor and the insulation used in older PVC cables.
It’s something I come across during fault finding and EICRs in Hastings homes, particularly in properties built or rewired between the 1960s and 1980s.
Is Green Goo Dangerous?
It’s not something you’ll normally see day-to-day, but it can cause problems behind the scenes.
Green goo can:
- Break down cable insulation
- Lead to exposed or weakened conductors
- Cause intermittent electrical faults
- Increase the risk of overheating
In a lot of cases, customers in Hastings only find out about it when something stops working — or during an inspection.
Green Goo and EICRs in Hastings
When carrying out an EICR in Hastings or nearby areas, green goo is something I always check for — especially in older installations.
Depending on how far it’s progressed, it can be coded as:
- C2 (Potentially dangerous) – if the cable insulation is compromised
- C3 (Improvement recommended) – if it’s present but not yet critical
If it’s found across multiple circuits, it can lead to an unsatisfactory EICR, which is something landlords and homeowners need to address.
What Can Be Done About Green Goo?
There isn’t a treatment or repair for green goo once it’s inside the cable — it’s a sign the cable is deteriorating.
What we normally look at is:
• Monitoring (if minor)
If it’s not affecting safety, it can be noted and checked over time.
• Replacing affected cables
If it’s limited to certain areas, those circuits can be renewed.
• Rewiring (partial or full)
If it’s more widespread — which is often the case in older Hastings properties — a rewire is usually the best long-term fix.
Need Advice on Green Goo or an EICR in Hastings?
If you’ve been told you’ve got green goo, or you’ve got an older property and want peace of mind, it’s worth getting it properly checked.
I carry out EICRs, fault finding, and rewires across Hastings, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Battle, Rye and Pevensey, and I’m always happy to give honest advice — no pressure, just a clear idea of where you stand.