There is faulty electrical cabling in thousands of Australian homes and businesses.

Time is running out before the cables become a fire or electrocution risk. Act now before it’s too late—get your cable checked.

About the recall

In August 2014, Infinity electrical cables were recalled by 18 electrical retailers and wholesalers due to safety concerns.

The cables were supplied in:

• NSW - 2010-2013
• ACT - 2011-2013
• Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia - 2012-2013
• Tasmania - 2013.

It is estimated that up to 40,000 homes, commercial and residential buildings in Australia could be affected.

A taskforce of consumer agencies, building regulators and electrical safety regulators are coordinating the safety recall.

To date, 27 suppliers have announced recalls of Infinity cables. Further recalls may be announced in the future.

Electrocution and fire dangers from faulty cables

Infinity and Olsent-branded Infinity cables 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 taskforce found there is no immediate danger; however, careful steps need to be taken to stop electric shock or fires from occurring in coming years—as early as 2016 for New South Wales.

No incidents have been reported, but the longer-term risk is real. The cables will degrade over time and the risk of physical contact is highest in roof spaces and under raised floors.

What you should do

Have your wiring checked by a licensed electrician if, between 2010 and 2013, you:

• purchased a new property
• renovated
• had electrical work done, including appliance installations.

Do not attempt to inspect cables yourself.

If you are unsure who did the electrical work, talk to your builder. If you don’t know who the builder was and are unsure if Infinity cables were installed, get a licensed electrician to inspect your wiring.

Recalled Infinity cables in each state as at 4 June 2015

Find out approximately when the recalled cables could start to degrade and become dangerous in your state or territory: