News & Views

21st October 2014

Infinity Cable Recall Resolution

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) – the peak industry body representing the interests of Australia’s electrical and communications contractors, cautiously welcomes the announcement from the ACCC of a resolution to the Infinity Cable Recall of last year.

“Whilst NECA remains concerned about the potential risk to consumers and industry reputation, given that not all Infinity cabling will be removed, we believe that the principle recommendations to limit risk are welcome and necessary,” said its Chief Executive Officer Mr Suresh Manickam.

“We understand the ACCC’s decision to take a risk-based approach in this situation is probably the best outcome under the circumstances. The decision to only remove – and replace, cable that is exposed to heat sources – where there is a risk of electric shocks and/or fire, and in easy-to-access areas, coupled with the use of safety switches on the remaining cable, is a sensible compromise,” 

The steps that the ACCC is putting in place follow the August 2013 voluntary electrical safety recall of the Infinity TPS 2.5mm twin and earth flat cable model FT3025 with batch numbers INFMEL081112, INFH210912 and Infinity branded Olsent cable INFH190311. This was subsequently followed by a mandatory recall and prohibition notice for all Infinity branded TPS and “orange round” cable in October 2013, after product testing found that it failed to qualify with Australian Standards and posed a risk of electrical shock through the premature deterioration of its insulation under extreme heat. 

These types of cables were sold at a handful of the larger wholesalers and distributers – including Masters Home Improvement, and a number of smaller distributors, mainly across New South Wales and Queensland. 

NECA was one of the original members of the ACCC Infinity Cable Reference Group.  NECA also played a leading role in establishing the “Does It Comply?” campaign in conjunction with the world’s leading electrical industry information portal, Voltimum, and Australian Standards.  Our aim is to stamp out non-compliant electrical products in Australia.  

“Once again, we remind the Federal Government that stronger and more effective measures are necessary to ensure that an Infinity-type situation isn’t repeated. NECA has previously called for the harmonisation of state and territory legislation to deal with product compliance, increased recognition and support for random product batch testing and for greater recognition and participation from all states and territories to create a national database that contractors and consumers can access to check a product is compliant,” added Mr Manickam.  “Plus we would like to see the industry push for Recall Insurance to be a requirement for any wholesalers and distributor to protect contractors, and consumers, when products have been purchased in good faith,” he concluded. 

For further information, see: http://www.accc.gov.au/update/infinity-electrical-cable-recall

-ENDS-

Media enquiries and interviews
Barry Jackson – National Marketing and Communications
E barry.jackson@neca.asn.au
D 02 9962 6904 
M 0457 767 328

Andrew Jefferies – National Policy and Submissions
E andrew.jefferies@neca.asn.au 
D 02 9962 6903
M 0458 726 355

Notes for editors

1.    NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide.
2.    NECA is run by electrical contractors, for electrical contractors.
3.    We have 5,000 contracting companies as members – and they in turn employ over 50,000 people Australia-wide.
4.    NECA employs almost 350 people across its seven chapters (Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia).
5.    The chapters provide NECA members with a range of services including: Industrial Relations, Health & Safety, Legal, Training, business-support services, product discounts and advocacy representation in Canberra with Government, Industry bodies and Training bodies.
6.    NECA wholly-owns its Legal firm, Group Training and the NECA Colleges (in WA) and EcoSmart Electricians – and has joint ventures with a superannuation company (NSW) and one of the national cabling registrars (ACRS).
7.    NECA also employ around 2,000 apprentice electricians and provides training to a further 2,000. 
8.    For further information go to www.neca.asn.au .

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