QLD: National safety recall of Infinity electrical cable

Published

The recall of Infinity and Olsent branded electrical cable imported by Infinity Cable Co Pty Ltd and sold by various wholesalers and retailers comes after testing found the cable failed Australian electrical safety standards.

Office of Fair and Safe Work Queensland head, Dr Simon Blackwood said there is no immediate danger, but home and business owners should act now to prevent possible electric shock or fire in future years.

"The plastic insulation coating around the cable degrades faster than normal, especially if exposed to heat, which over time makes it brittle and if disturbed it may crack and be more likely to expose bare wire," Dr Blackwood said.

"Infinity cable was supplied in Queensland from 2012 to 2013 and it is estimated that 680km of the cable is installed in homes and commercial buildings state-wide.

"The company recalled some products in August 2013 and Infinity cable was banned from sale in October 2013, but the cable already installed in the homes and businesses of Queenslanders also needs to be addressed.

"Home and business owners who had wiring done in 2012 or 2013 should contact their electrician to find out if Infinity cable was used.

"Under the recall, any affected cable installed in accessible areas, such as roof spaces, must be removed and replaced unless it is in appropriate conduit and is fitted with an electrical safety switch.

"If the cable is near a heat source, such as heaters, hot water systems and the like, it must be removed.

"Inaccessible cable, such as in wall cavities, that remains installed must be fitted with an electrical safety switch.

"If any Infinity cable remains in a building, a warning sticker must be placed at the electrical switchboard.

"If you are unsure who performed the electrical work, you can ask any qualified and licensed electrician to perform a safety inspection for you.

"Never try to check electrical cable yourself," Dr Blackwood said.

Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said the Australian Consumer Law protects consumers from costs associated with unsafe products.

"If there is Infinity cable present, suppliers have a responsibility to pay for the cable to be made safe," Mr Bauer said.

"As long as you can confirm Infinity cable is present and who supplied it, you can approach that cable supplier to have them fix the problem free of charge."

More information about the recall of Infinity cables, including the recall notice, is available at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au.

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Members of the public can contact QLD OFT here.

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