Another cable recall - this time it's Ecables' CCA RE110

The Australian Cablemakers Association (ACA) has warned of serious risk of fire and electric shock from yet another batch of faulty electrical cables which has been sold and installed over the last three years.

This time it is Ecables Copper Clad Aluminium RE 110 Insulated power cables, according to ACA.

It is believed the products have been predominantly used for major projects such as apartment buildings, hotels and commercial installations.

Ecables was not immediately available for comment. According to The Daily Telegraph, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) this month issued and then removed the recall notice for the product. 

This comes just months after a full recall on dangerous Infinity and Olsent-branded cables - the largest of its type in Australia’s history, according to ACA. ACA Chairman Andrew Davenport said the latest round of cable recalls applies to Ecables CCA product sold between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2014. 

“ACA believes this insulation failure is even more dangerous and concerning than the recently recalled Infinity and Olsent cables,” he said.

“This cabling is designated to operate at temperatures up to 110°C and to conduct low-voltage power up to 1000 V, which means it is supposed to be able to withstand higher load currents than similar size but lower temperature-rated cables,” Davenport claimed. “The cable is marked as rated to a conductor temperature of 110°C, but comprehensive testing has shown that the insulation fails at temperatures well below this rating, and that the cable insulation actually melts if the temperature reaches 110°C.

“Similarly, if the cable is operated at its rated current-carrying capacity then the heat from the conductor causes severe and dangerous insulation deformation.

“This would leave the live conductors exposed and present a serious risk of fire, electrical injury or electrocution.

Davenport said the recall applied to all cable currently in the inventory of electrical contractors, as well as product that had been installed in situations where it is exposed to temperatures of 50°C or more. However, he said ACA wanted a complete recall of all product to ensure the safety of buildings and their occupants.

“It’s impossible to anticipate the future operating conditions for installed cable, even if it is not currently exposed to higher temperatures.”