40,000 households and businesses affected by electrical cable recall

Nineteen electrical retailers and wholesalers have recalled thousands of electrical cables that failed to meet electrical safety standards.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said on Wednesday it estimates 40,000 households and businesses could be affected by the recall of the cables, which were supplied in all states and territories except the Northern Territory.

The Infinity cables, sourced from a company called Infinity Cable Co, were sold by 18 Masters Home Improvement stores and one independent wholesaler between 2010-2013 in NSW, between 2011-13 in the ACT, 2012-13 in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, and in 2013 in Tasmania.

ACCC chairman Rod Sims said the recall is being co-ordinated by a taskforce of consumer agencies, building regulators and electrical safety regulators.

“Testing has found that the cables will degrade prematurely and if the cables are disturbed, the insulation could break and expose live conductors, resulting in possible electric shock or fires,” Sims said in a statement.

Households and businesses that had electrical work carried out during the relevant periods of time are urged to contact the responsible builder, electrical contractor or appliance installer to see if the cabling was used.

Further information is on the ACCC website.

This article first appeared on SmartCompany.