Urgent Halloween warning to Brits if they see green goo oozing from plug sockets

30 October 2023 , 16:06

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If you see this coming from your sockets it's unlikely to have anything to do with Ghostbusters (Image: Mark Bramwell, Electrical & Security Solutions.)

That scary buzzing you hear from your lights as they flash on and off and green goo coming from your walls and sockets is something far more dangerous than a ghost according to electrical safety gurus – a fault that could cause a fire.

Households experiencing ghostly goings on this Halloween are much more likely to be suffering from dangerous electrical faults than anything supernatural, a charity has warned. Experts say typical experiences associated with haunted houses could in fact present a much more scary reality, leaving your home susceptible to a blaze.

Analysis of worldwide search trends by Electrical Safety First reveals that ‘is my house haunted?’ has soared 113 per cent in the last month alone. And while the danger is present for all homeowners, landlords face a much scarier reality if they rent out a dangerous property, with fines of up to £30,000.

Faulty electrics are a major fire hazard (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Flickering lights may sound like a scene from a Stephen King movie, but are far more likely to be electrical faults linked to wiring. Richard Harvey, electrical installation safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, said: “We’re all familiar with scenes in horror movies where the lights constantly flicker and trip. But the reality is far more scary than any ghost. Flickering lights or bulbs that keep blowing are likely caused by a loose connection in your wiring rather than the supernatural.”

And when it comes to the type of green goo film-goers saw in Ghostbusters, Mr Harvey added: “A green goo-like substance oozing from your plug sockets is far more likely to be linked to deteriorating wiring than a mutant invasion. When green goo appears, it can adversely affect protective components within your socket and leave you exposed to risk of electric shock in the future. It is mostly seen in wiring predating 1960 and is a chemical reaction between the plastic and copper.”

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‌The consequences of faulty electrics can be far more frightening than a property plagued by the paranormal, leaving your home exposed to fire and those living in it at serious risk. He added: “A far more effective way of tackling these ghostly signs isn’t to call the Ghostbusters. A competent and registered electrician will be able to rid your home of any potential dangerous electrical faults to ensure your property is safe.”

Private landlords in England are also warned they risk blood-curdling fines of up to £30,000 if they do not ensure their property is inspected once every five years under legislation introduced in 2021. Living in an unsafe home can be far more frightening than any horror film. Whilst most landlords provide good and safe accommodation for renters, rogue landlords face hefty fines if they actively neglect to comply with the laws.

Electrical Safety First recommends using an electrician to undertake an electrical safety inspection on your property. Landlords and households can find a registered electrician using the charity’s Find an Electrician tool. Households are also warned to be aware of a change of smell in the home. Whilst movies associate unusual smells including sulphur, with ghostly goings on, strong smells could be burning plastic on plug sockets.

Here are six signs your house is haunted by dodgy electrics. Lights that continue to blow or flicker – If you’re constantly finding yourself in the dark, there is a possibility a loose connection, not a ghost. If you're experiencing an ‌unpleasant fishy smell, this could be the burning smell of sockets or plastic. Don’t overlook it, report it immediately.‌

Green goo from sockets is likely to be a chemical reaction linked to old wiring that can adversely affect protective components in your sockets. And if you have yellow sockets or discolouring in any way, this could be a sign of overheating and a possible risk of fire waiting to happen.

Cracked or broken sockets and switches – Whilst this may seem like a small inconvenience, it is often evidence that the property has not been checked and further much bigger faults could be present, while if the electricity keeps tripping this could indicate that your circuits are overloaded or that the wiring in the property is deteriorating.

Paul Donald