TAS: National Infinity Electrical Cable Safety Recall

Published

The offices of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading, WorkSafe Tasmania and Building Control have been actively engaged in a national taskforce of consumer protection, electrical and building safety regulators to coordinate a product safety recall of Infinity electrical cable.
 
The work of this taskforce demonstrates the effectiveness of shared intelligence and collaboration to bring about an integrated approach to product safety and consumer protection in a multi-jurisdictional environment.
 
A total of 18 electrical retailers and wholesalers have today recalled Infinity cables after they failed electrical safety standards due to poor quality plastic insulation.
 
All sizes and configurations of white Thermoplastic-sheathed [TPS] and Orange Round Infinity mains power cables are affected. Olsent power cables sourced from Infinity Cable Co Pty Ltd and solely supplied by Masters Home Improvement are also affected.
 
Infinity cables were supplied in all states and territories, except the Northern Territory. It is estimated that around 40,000 households and businesses may have been affected.
 
Between January 2013 and October 2013 a total of 4,000 metres [or 0.1% of the National supply total] of this cable was sold in Tasmania through John Danks & Sons trading under the following businesses:

  • Home Timber & Hardware;
  • Plants Plus;
  • Thrifty-Link Hardware; and
  • Mitre 10

Testing found the cables will degrade prematurely and, if they are disturbed, the insulation could break and expose live conductors, resulting in possible electric shocks or fire.
 
Consumers should not attempt to inspect cables themselves. The Taskforce found there is no immediate danger but careful steps should be taken by a licensed electrical contractor to avoid electric shock or fires occurring in coming years.
 
Tradespeople are urged to turn off all main power switches at the switchboard before heading into the ceiling space at all times. Electricians and builders are also advised to alert consumers and cable suppliers if they have installed Infinity cables.
 
Households and businesses that have had electrical wiring work carried out during the relevant periods need to contact the responsible builder, electrical contractor or appliance installer to confirm whether Infinity cable was used. The cable supplier will arrange for an inspection of electrical wiring and remediation of any installed Infinity cable that they supplied, free of charge to the consumer. Any affected cable installed in accessible areas or near heat sources must be removed and placed under the safety recall.
 
Don't attempt to inspect the cables yourself. If you have had electrical wiring work carried out on your home or business then you should contact your electrician to check if the recalled Infinity electrical cable has been used.
 
If you are unsure who did the original electrical work, talk to your builder. If you don't know who the builder was, and are unsure if Infinity cable was installed, ask a licensed electrician to inspect your wiring - this may be at your cost.
 
If consumers suspect any of these cables were installed in their premises, they should contact the responsible builder, electrical contractor or appliance installer to confirm whether Infinity cable was used.
 
The safety recall addresses the safety of the installed cable. Consumers with concerns about the quality of Infinity cable that remains installed may have rights under the State electrical safety and/or building legislation in addition to consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law.

For further information consumers are encouraged to visit www.productsafety.gov.au or contact Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading on 1300 654 499.

Contact details

Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading - 1300 654 499

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