Old customer contacted me to move his phone system and network to their new office location. The customer contact said “the General Contractor gave him a great deal on the wiring installation!” He wanted a quote to complete the phone system move and terminations. HMMMM……. I explained to him “I would accept the job at time and material only”, (Sparkie is alive and well in this area.) he finally agreed to the terms….off and running.

Beside several code violations, there was something strange with the cable.
When the insulation was strip back, there was an oily substance on the cable pairs?
I contacted General Cable and spoke with a rep that had no clue as to what it was.

I have never seen or experience this type of cable before. The only thing I can guess
is that the cable was stored in a extreme conditions and the cable has started to break down…… Any thoughts?

The label on the cable has the following:

General Cable CAT-3 J CMR (UL) C (UL) CMG 4PR 24AWG IWC---VERIFIED (UL) CAT-3---02-07 172219C2 475236 FEET CAT-3

Walt

I've seen moisture inside the sheath from condensation caused by extreme temps. Could that possibly be it?

This may have been left in a wet spot and the cable sucked moisture like a straw wicks water.

I have seen under-floor cabling draw moisture from wet ducts.

Yes, the moisture would feel oily as it is picking up the leftovers from the sheath and cable insulation.

If this were Cat 5 the moisture will upset your certification equipment. The trapped water acts as a mirror and reflects the signals.

Just my hair brained experience.....

Gee, 'spose "Sparky" cut Mr. Customer a deal on the cost of the wire that he either got cheap, or was looking at pitching as a loss? Probably not. Well maybe "Sparky" truly was unaware of the 'stuff' inside the jacket. Cut him a little slack. John C.

Remember that we have had several natural disasters of late that put alot of equipment and material under water which was usually contaminated with who knows what. There are warnings to be careful about used cars. I know I have seen the same mentioned about telephone equipment which gets dried out and sold on the gray or refurbished market. No reason not to extend this to wire and cable. If you don't buy from a reputable supplier you take your chances.

-Hal

At least 15 years ago the telco I worked for received a load of cable that was loaded with oil. Your hands would be covered with oil when you worked on it. The cable company said it was a manufacturing proplem. All full and part boxes were sent back.

Point it out to the client and STRESS the point that you are NOT responsible for the cable or cabling done by sparkie.

Then offer him a "deal" to redo it with known good cable.

I like Dave's idea best

I have had the same thing on General Cable Cat3...never was sure of what it was...

Thanks to everyone for your response:

Time will tell if this wire has any short/long term problems.

Walt

I would notify the customer of your concerns in writing

I would show them a piece of whats there vs what you have in stock and point out the oiliness and your concern

I would keep a piece of the cable in their file

chances are good that there will be no issues but if there are it would be good to give the customer a copy of your letter along with the bill for resolving the issues

Whatever you do, put that piece of cable in a little GLASS jar with a METAL lid. Just imagine where and how far that 'oil' will bleed in the file cabinet! John C.

good point john , I would probably get a foot or so of it and set it aside just to see what if anything happens over time