The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched a national awareness campaign to back its recall of Infinity or Olsent electrical cabling in homes and business premises.

The campaign “Act now before it’s too late – get your cable checked” concerns Infinity and Olsent-branded cable which failed to meet electrical safety standards due to poor quality insulation (plastic coating). Testing found the insulation on the “TPS” and “orange round” range of cables will become brittle prematurely, which may present a safety hazard if the cables are disturbed and the insulation breaks. Cables exposed to prolonged high temperatures will degrade at a faster rate.

Once the insulation is brittle, physical contact with the cables could dislodge the insulation and lead to electric shock or possibly fires.

The ACCC advises that up to 40,000 residential and business properties may be affected and recommends that wiring be checked by a licensed electrician in properties purchased, renovated or had electrical work such as appliance installation completed between 2010 and 2013.

Master Builders recommends that members who have not already taken action to determine whether the non-complying cabling was used in their projects between 2010 -2013 should do so.

The ACCC awareness campaign is being rolled out on radio and YouTube. For information visit the ACCC website.