The Australian Cablemakers Association (ACA) is calling for tougher action on imported electrical cables which do not meet Australian Standards following a recall of Infinity brand electrical cables by NSW Fair Trading. The issue relates to the sub-standard PVC insulation and sheathing compound which could result in serious electric shocks or fire.
Formed to represent the interests of Australia’s cable manufacturers in interactions with governments, government authorities, supplier and customer associations and other industry bodies, the ACA also works to promote safety in the community by arranging independent testing of cables. This has resulted in the ACA’s Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) which was established to address the use of unsafe, non-compliant and counterfeit cable in the Australian marketplace.
The ACA brought this safety issue with NSW-based Infinity Cable Co Pty Ltd to the attention of Energy Safe Victoria and NSW Fair Trading after ACA members conducted in-house tests of Infinity cable as well as commissioning, at the ACA’s expense, an independent test by TUV Rheinland.
As a result, Infinity has been asked to recall three batches of Infinity brand thermo-plastic sheathed (TPS) electric cable imported from China and sold in the ACT, QLD, NSW, VIC, WA and SA – specifically Infinity TPS 2.5mm twin and earth flat cable model FT3025 with batch numbers INFMEL081112, INFH210912 and Infinity branded Olsent cable INFH190311.
ACA Secretary and spokesman Andrew Davenport said the association is gravely concerned with the situation and the potential risks to electrical contractors and the public not just in NSW.
“The Australian Cablemakers Association welcomes the decision by NSW Fair Trading to recall the product throughout NSW, however the risk of non compliant product sold and installed in other states is still evident. The ACA therefore calls upon product safety regulators in other states and territories to follow the decision of NSW Fair Trading with regard to the decision to issue a product recall.”
“Australian lives are at risk from non-compliant products,” Mr Davenport said.
About ACA & Approved Cable Initiative (ACI)
The Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) was established to address the use of unsafe, non-compliant and counterfeit cable in the Australian marketplace.
The ACI’s mandate is clear: Any cable failing comply with the Australian Standards will be reported to the relevant State or Federal Authority who have the power to instigate a recall of such products in the interest of community safety.
