May 4, 2015
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is concerned there are many unsuspecting home and business owners who have dangerous electrical cables installed despite a nationwide recall last year.
Of an estimated 4000km of faulty cable supplied by Infinity Cable Co, only 15 per cent has been fixed under the recall.
The ACCC said the cables fail to meet safety standards due to poor quality plastic insulation coating.
Tests have shown that the cable may become prematurely brittle which could cause fires or electric shock if they were disturbed.
It is estimated the cables will start becoming brittle in 2016.
“Unsafe Infinity cable is currently installed in thousands of households and businesses across Australia – it needs to be located and made safe before it poses a serious danger to the community from next year,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“Consumers who purchased new properties, undertook renovations, had appliances installed or had electrical work carried out in the past few years should contact a licensed electrician for a safety inspection to determine if Infinity cables were installed.
“An electrician would typically be able to inspect a home for around $100, though costs will vary depending upon the size, location and design of the property. Such costs can be recovered from the supplier should affected cables be discovered.
“Consumers should not attempt to inspect cables themselves. Any affected cable installed in accessible areas or near heat sources must be removed and replaced under the safety recall.”
The cable was sold in Queensland from 2012-13.
The recall applies to all sizes and configurations of TPS and Orange Round mains power cables sourced from Infinity Cable Co Pty Ltd and supplied under the “Infinity” and “Olsent” brands.
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As at April 26:
- At least 589km of cable has been remediated (approximately 29km has been replaced or rendered safe under the recall and at least 560km has been returned to suppliers for a refund or recovered from stores/warehouses)
- Thirteen suppliers have begun carrying out remediation
- Three of the smaller suppliers have completed their remediation
- 224 homes have been remediated
- At least 725 premises have been scheduled for future remediation
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ACCC Videos
- External link: More Details About The Recall
