Published
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 Infinity electrical cable 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 - all 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.
Details of the first tranche and second tranche of the recall are available on the Product Safety Australia website. Masters Home Improvement has further information for its customers on their Infinity and Olsent cable help page.
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 (see the table below for information on your state or territory).
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.
- Don’t 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.
- Check the table below to find out approximately when the recalled cables could start to degrade and become dangerous in your state or territory.
Table: Recalled Infinity cables in each state as at 4 June 2015
| State | Km of cable | Percentage | Installation period | Safety risk could start... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 1 849 | 47% | 2010-2013 | 2016 |
| VIC | 910 | 23% | 2012-2013 | 2018 |
| QLD | 680 | 17% | 2012-2013 | 2018 |
| WA | 251 | 6% | 2012-2013 | 2018 |
| ACT | 162 | 4% | 2011-2013 | 2017 |
| SA | 44 | 1% | 2012-2013 | 2018 |
| TAS | 4 | 0.1% | 2013 | 2019 |
| NT | 0 | 0% | n/a | n/a |
Frequently asked questions
Our FAQs provide detailed information about the recalled cables. See: Infinity cables frequently asked questions on the ACCC website.
Where to go for more information
Videos of recalled Infinity cables
These two videos show how the Infinity cables prematurely degrade when exposed to high temperatures. Test oven = Ten months at 90 degrees Celsius.
Inner insulation
Outer insulation
Images of the recalled cables
End view of cable
Close up of cable and marking
End view of three core cable
End view of five core cable
