Cleaning gel-filled cable?

[ishiboo]

I am running some gel-filled Cat5E and would like to clean the gel off as it's making a mess. I tried my usual suspects - acetone and carb cleaner - and it's still a sticky mess.

Do any commonly avilable products work well on this, or do I have to buy something like LPS D'Gel? I guess WD-40 is probably going to be my next try, hopefully the insulation holds up.

 

[Norcal]

I have used alcohol to clean off "icky pick" with good results, the alcohol prep pads used by diabetics & others makes it easy.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

I've never found the need to do much gel management - cut the end off so the gel is only exposed in the box for termination, and the IDC termination will cut right through it and make a good electrical connection. I run some alcohol and a shop towel over my hands to clean up after.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Yeah, WD-40 is good. Go on with it.

WD-40 is conductive, and so runs the risk of data "crosstalk"
Alcohol is not. Electrical Contact Cleaner is not.

 

[ishiboo]

I'll try alcohol... I kind of figured if acetone and brake cleaner wasnt going to touch it, alcohol wouldn't.

I've never found the need to do much gel management - cut the end off so the gel is only exposed in the box for termination, and the IDC termination will cut right through it and make a good electrical connection. I run some alcohol and a shop towel over my hands to clean up after.

I'm cool with that except it gets everywhere... im not sure how it can be so damn sticky. It seems like it would stick better than grease in grease applications

 

[rlitman]

WD-40 is conductive...

No, it is not. It can attract conductive dirt however.

 

[alfredeneuman]

It any rate, it has no business being used for cleaning electrical wiring of any kind.
It's leaves residue which is flammable.
(I knew a not-very-smart-guy that noticed one of his breakers were sparking at the bus stab. He sprayed it with his default go to fix everything WD-40. The panel erupted in flames. To compound it, he was going to use a garden hose to put it out before somebody stopped him).

 

[rlitman]

It any rate, it has no business being used for cleaning electrical wiring of any kind.
It's leaves residue which is flammable.
(I knew a not-very-smart-guy that noticed one of his breakers were sparking at the bus stab. He sprayed it with his default go to fix everything WD-40. The panel erupted in flames. To compound it, he was going to use a garden hose to put it out before somebody stopped him).

Yes, WD-40 is flammable. So is alcohol, which is a good recommendation for cleaning the gel.

Anyway, flammability is not a concern with Cat5E cabling.

I'd suggest a citrus based cleaner, followed up by alcohol.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yes, WD-40 is flammable. So is alcohol, which is a good recommendation for cleaning the gel.

Anyway, flammability is not a concern with Cat5E cabling.

I'd suggest a citrus based cleaner, followed up by alcohol.

Except i wonder if that changes with POE circuits that spark when disconnected under load....

 

[rlitman]

Except i wonder if that changes with POE circuits that spark when disconnected under load....

I don't imagine the spark could ignite WD-40. You can toss a match into a puddle of the stuff, and it will just go out. Yes, it's flashpoint is low enough to still be considered flammable and not merely combustible, but only just barely.

 

[Legion Prime]

Well when it's being sprayed you not only have the product atomized in the air but you also have the propellent which may also be flammable.

 

[walrus]

i use a paper towel, never heard of anyone using a solvent

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[alfredeneuman]

I don't imagine the spark could ignite WD-40. You can toss a match into a puddle of the stuff, and it will just go out.

Along with kerosene and diesel fuel, liquid WD-40 is listed on the MSDS sheets as having a Flammability rating of 3.
It also says it's not to be used in the presence of sparks

 

[rlitman]

Along with kerosene and diesel fuel, liquid WD-40 is listed on the MSDS sheets as having a Flammability rating of 3.

It also says it's not to be used in the presence of sparks

Diesel is by definition not flammable, but merely combustible.

 

[rlitman]

Well when it's being sprayed you not only have the product atomized in the air but you also have the propellent which may also be flammable.

Flammable liquids usually use propane as the propellant. Non-flammable liquids often use CO2 or a compatible HFC.

 

[alfredeneuman]

And kerosene?

 

[jeffmoss26]

Polywater makes wipes specifically for removing gel from cables.
https://www.polywater.com/product-category/polywater-cleaners-selection/

 

[rburke65]

Garden hose on an electrical fire?.! Sounds like cleansing of the gene pool to me!

 

[mx500]

The orange hand cleaner (gojo?)works pretty good if you cant get the correct cleaner.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Confused ? Where how is the gel making a mess ?

You're terminating like you would on any cable. Strip jacket.
Clean rag, Yank/pull rag outwards on the cable. Do it a couple times. Should be plenty clean......enough for you do your termination. Unless it's old cable where the gel is not liquidy but gunky....