Infinity and Olsent brand cable recall

Identification

All TPS and orange circular Infinity branded cable, and some TPS Olsent branded cable was recalled in 2014.

Safety issue

Risk of fire and electric shock

An issue was identified with the insulation and sheathing PVC compound of the electrical cable that can reduce the cable insulation integrity. It can become brittle over time or if exposed to heat for extended periods. If disturbed, it can become brittle and crack, creating a risk of electric shock, and may contribute to fire.

Product sold at

This cable was supplied in Queensland in 2012–13 by:

• Masters Home Improvement
• Home Timber and Hardware
• Mitre 10
• HEM Queensland.

Prohibited from sale or installation

Infinity electrical cable has been prohibited in Queensland, meaning it must not be sold or installed.

Action required

Suppliers/Installers

As the Infinity cable importer is in liquidation, suppliers have agreed to have the cable removed or remediated at their expense. Please note that while Masters Home Improvement no longer exists, there is no change to the recall at this stage and the parent company will continue to remediate properties.

Electrical contractors should contact the cable supplier before starting any work to ensure the property owner, supplier and electrician agree to proceed.

Unused stock

If you have unused stock of the affected cable do not use it. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

Installed cable

If you installed Infinity cable in Queensland between 2012 and 2013, contact your customer. You will likely need to arrange for an inspection of their premises.

If the presence of Infinity cable is confirmed, notify the customer about the recall and have them contact the electrician, builder or supplier of the cables directly (if known).

Remediation

If your customer agrees for you to carry out remediation work, you must seek the supplier's approval before you begin the job. If you then carry out the work in accordance with the Infinity cable recall remediation plan and comply with the normal requirements for electrical work, you will have met your electrical safety duties.

Alternatively, the supplier may engage another electrical contractor to remediate the installed cable. The supplier's chosen contractor must also carry out the work in accordance with the recall remediation plan and comply with the normal requirements for electrical work.

If you have informed your customers you installed Infinity cable in their premises and they don't want to take action, then:

• let them know under the recall the supplier will fund the remediation or replacement of the cable at the supplier's expense
• caution they should act to prevent the risk of a future electric shock or fire and not jeopardise their home insurance
• recommend a safety switch be installed on the affected circuits
• record the details of your conversation with them.

In summary

The safety recall requires:

• prioritising removing and replacing cable installed close to heat sources
• removing and replacing cable in accessible areas such as roof spaces and under flooring (unless it is in appropriate conduit)
• protecting all remaining cable with electrical safety switches
• affixing a warning sticker to the electrical metering switch box in any premises with cable left installed.

Consumers

Homeowners who purchased new properties, undertook renovations or had electrical wiring work conducted on their homes during 2012 and 2013 should check with their electrical contractor or builder, or contact a licensed electrical contractor for a safety inspection, to determine if Infinity or Olsent branded cables were installed.

For safety, homeowners should not check the cable themselves, but use an electrical contractor to inspect the wiring.

More information

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)

• Infinity cable recall: act now before it's too late
• Infinity cable recalled – get your cable checked
• Call 1300 302 502

Electrical Safety Office (ESO)

See the ESO's Infinity and Infinity-branded Olsent cable prohibition notice and gazette notice.

Industry associations may also offer help and advice to members.