cable manufacturing

[John Dirks Jr]

Do the NM cable manufacturers use any light oil as lubricant in the manufacturing process?  I saw a drop hanging off of a conductor in the panel at an inspection yesterday.  It was a light oil of sorts.  I could not figure out how it had gotten there.

[Jim Katen]

I don't know why or how, but I see it every so often too. Sometimes's it's amber-colored and sometimes it's a light blue. It always seems to be oozing out from inside the thermoplastic insulation. As far as I can tell, it's harmless. 

[JEuriech]

John,

 

See attachment.

 

Jeff

Oily Residue 0110DB0301[1].pdf

[Jim Katen]

Thanks for the link. When I've seen the stuff, it's been a total of a drop or two. If I ever see more than that, I'll consider it a problem. 

 

[John Dirks Jr]

Thanks for the link Jeff.  Now I know more stuff to talk about with clients.