receptacle dust

[John Dirks Jr]

I'm sure you've seen the carbon looking stains that can build up around electrical outlets. Is it carbon or what is it? Why does it happen?

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by John Dirks Jr

I'm sure you've seen the carbon looking stains that can build up around electrical outlets. Is it carbon or what is it? Why does it happen?

It's the same dirt that causes ghosting. As air moves in or out of the openings around the receptacles, airborne dirt is deposited on the adjacent surfaces.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Chad Fabry]

I agree with Jim but I'll add that frequently used receptacles or poorly connected receptacles produce arcs. Arcing ionizes the atmosphere and causes the dust to precipitate out.

[hausdok]

When all of the windows and doors are closed an entry door will function like a bellows, pushing air into and out of wall cavities and the cold air that gets in around receptacles does cause ghosting. They make a foam gasket to fit behind receptacle coverplates that will prevent the dust from being sucked out of the wall every time the door is opened/closed and will can help to reduce ghosting.

OT - OF!!!

M.