NSW backs national recall of Infinity cable

Published

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Rod Stowe, has welcomed the national recall of Infinity-branded electrical cables, commonly used for household and commercial electrical wiring.

“NSW Fair Trading supports the national recall led by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to remove Infinity-branded cables from the marketplace,” he said.

“While there is no immediate risk posed by Infinity cables, testing has revealed the casing around the cable can be compromised particularly by high temperatures as the cable ages, exposing wires.

“Experts believe these products could potentially pose a fire hazard or electrocution risk in years to come.

“If any consumer suspects these cables were installed in their premises they should contact their builder, electrician or appliance installer to confirm whether cable covered by this recall was installed.

“If you think you’ve had the cable used in your home, do not check the wiring yourself. Any electrical work should be carried out by a licensed electrician.

“Builders and electricians should liaise with the cable supplier where they purchased the cable, and discuss the remedies available as part of the national safety recall.

“Electricians and builders should also return unused Infinity cable to their place of purchase for a full refund.”

NSW was the first jurisdiction to initiate a recall of Infinity-branded cable in August last year. Following testing led by NSW Fair Trading, a mandatory recall followed in NSW in October 2013.

NSW Fair Trading has commenced proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court against the former director of Infinity cable for selling electrical articles in breach of the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004.

A preliminary hearing date has been set down for 20 November 2014.

The ACCC recall of Infinity-branded cables relates to all sizes and configurations of white TPS and Orange Round infinity mains power cables. Olsent power cables sourced from Infinity Cable Co Pty Ltd are also affected. It covers 18 national suppliers responsible for 85% of all cables sold in Australia.

Cables and wiring may not be sold in NSW unless they are safe. It is an offence under the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 to sell unsafe electrical articles or appliances.

The recall notice is available at www.recalls.gov.au. For NSW consumers not covered by the national recall, enquiries can be directed to NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.

Contact details

Media contact

(02) 9619 8797 or pager service (02) 9962 9488 (NSW Fair Trading)

(03) 9290 1836 or 0408 995 408 (ACCC)

Responsible regulator

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