National Recall of Installed Infinity Cable | NECA

News & Views

27th August 2014

National Recall of Installed Infinity Cable

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 distributors to protect contractors, and consumers, when products have been purchased in good faith,” he concluded.

To read the ACCC Media Release, please click here. To read the FAQ on the recall, please click here. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the NECA SA office on (08) 8272 2966.