New warning issued on Infinity electrical cables

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a new warning on Infinity electrical cables, advising that there is still an estimated 2300 km of the dangerous product installed in sites across Australia.

The new warning comes in light of the fact that cable insulation is expected to start cracking over the next couple of months, which the ACCC says can lead to electric shock or a fire if disturbed by tradespeople or home owners/occupiers.

Any unremediated cable installed since 2010 in NSW and 2011 nationally poses significant risk of death or serious injury. The ACCC said that electricians, builders and other tradespeople who installed Infinity electrical cables and some Olsent electrical cable 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.

There is also evidence that home owners are 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,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

“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 from 2010 in NSW or 2011 in other states should 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,” said Rickard.

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.

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