Warning over immediate risks from Infinity electrical cables

Approximately 2300 km of dangerous Infinity electrical cable is still installed in thousands of homes across Australia, a worrying concern for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) since it is expected that in the next couple of months the cable insulation could start to crack, which may lead to electric shock or a fire.

The ACCC said if the cables are disturbed by tradespeople or home owners then they are at significant risk of serious injury or death.

The watchdog has released a warning to electricians, builders and other tradespeople who installed Infinity electrical cables and some Olsent electrical cable since 2010 in NSW and 2011 elsewhere in Australia that they may face regulatory action, including rectification orders and possible penalties, if they don’t act now.

Retailers and suppliers recalling the cable are reporting that electricians and builders are ignoring requests to notify them where the cable was installed, so that it can be remediated under the supplier’s product recall.

The ACCC said that home owners are also not taking steps to have cables inspected and, where appropriate, remediated under the recall arrangements.

“Infinity cables were recalled because they deteriorate and become brittle more rapidly than normal compliant cables, especially in areas of high heat. The cable is expected to have deteriorated sufficiently by April that if disturbed it could lead to electric shock or fire in some premises,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard.

“If you are an electrician or builder who installed the recalled electrical cable, you should immediately notify property owners, suppliers and electrical safety authorities in order to have it remediated.”

Home owners who installed electrical cable since 2010 are being advised to notify the retailer they bought it from, or the electrician they used to install the cable, and arrange for a licensed electrician to carry out an inspection.

If Infinity cables are discovered, the cost of the inspection will be covered by the cable supplier along with the full cost of remediation.

The Infinity cables taskforce is distributing a bulletin to licensed electricians and builders throughout the country reminding them of their obligations under industry laws, and advising them about their potential liability if they fail to notify home owners and regulators.

A bulletin has been distributed to real estate associations, authorities and agents nationwide so they can alert home owners.

Further information is available at Infinity cable recall: act now before it’s too late.

Source