The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently issued a safety recall of Infinity and Olsent-branded Infinity cables, which it has estimated could affect up to 40,000 houses and businesses. Media reports suggest the issue could cost around $80 million to fix.

According to Product Safety Recalls Australia, the cabling was supplied by Masters Improvements stores, John Danks & Son, Mitre 10 and Go Electrical, and was used across all states and territories (which includes Victoria) building industry by electrical contractors in both residential and commercial projects between 2012 and 2013.

While the cabling does not pose any immediate threats, it does not comply with safety criteria and will deteriorate over time, creating an increased risk of electrical shock and fire.

The recall requires:

  • Removal and replacement in accessible areas such as roof spaces and under flooring, unless it is in appropriate conduit.
  • Removal and replacement of cable installed close to heat sources.
  • Cable left installed in appropriate cable conduit or in inaccessible wall spaces to have an appropriate electrical safety switch.
  • Any premises with cable left installed needs to have an appropriate warning sticker affixed to electrical metering/switch box.

Consumers have been urged by the ACCC to contact their builders or electricians to have their wiring checked (provided they had any electrical work carried out between 2012 and 2013). The partly liable for the costs of rectification and replacement will be the suppliers of the cable provided that the affected builder or electrical contractor follows the process outlined by the safety recall guidelines.

It is advised that builders take the following steps before they carry out any work:

    1. Write to all electrical contractors you have used since 1 January 2012 to request confirmation (in writing) if they have used Infinity cabling.
    2. If this is the case, write to the electrical contractor directing them to work with their retailer to replace the cable as per the safety recall guidelines.
    3. Inform the client that the cable has been used and inform them of the recall process.
    4. You or the electrical contractor should also contact the supplier of the cable to establish what they intend to do to replace the Infinity cable.
    5. If you are aware that Infinity cable has been used and the electrical contractor or retailer fails to provide and adequate response to your request, contact Master Builders to access our initial free legal advice.
    6. You may wish to check any insurance coverage you hold.

It is advised that any electrical contractors take the following steps:

    1. Contact all the businesses and individuals you have completed work for since 1 January 2012, advising if you have used Infinity cabling.
    2. If this is the case, contact the supplier of the cable to establish what they intend to do to replace the Infinity cable.
    3. You may wish to check any insurance coverage you hold.

For more information on the recall and some frequent questions and answers, either call 1300 302 502 or visit the ACCC website .

If you need further assistance, please contact the Master Builders Legal Department on (03) 9411 4555.

For further reading, the following news articles are available online: