Australian homes’ faulty cabling risks fire danger
ACCC says your home could be a "ticking time-bomb".
Australia's consumer watchdog has revealed faulty cabling installed in thousands of homes across Australia remains a serious fire hazard and must be removed quickly and professionally.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reminded homeowners, particularly those in New South Wales, of a national recall of Infinity electrical cables installed from 2010 onward.
The regulator warns the defective cabling can become prematurely brittle and break when placed under stress near heat sources and roof access areas. Cabling installed in NSW from 2010 may have already began cracking and these damages could lead to electric shock or fire if the cables are disturbed.
Homes in other states and territories with cables installed from 2011 will be in danger from next year.
"Your home might be a ticking time-bomb," ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said.
Although the national recall began in mid-2013, just 54% of the 4,313 km of cabling has been replaced.
Electricians have been advised to get in touch with previous clients, including property owners and businesses, if they suspect they may have installed Infinity cables.
"In some circumstances, suppliers, installers and property owners may be liable to pay compensation for injury or property damage caused by Infinity cable installed in buildings,” Rickard said.
The ACCC says for around $100 to $200 an electrician can inspect the cabling and if Infinity cable is discovered, the cost of inspection will be covered by the supplier along with the full cost of remediation.
If you'd rather not hire an electrician, check out our guide to which repairs are suitable for DIY-ing versus what’s best left for professionals.
Want to save money on your electricity bills? We've compiled 35 smart energy-saving tips to help get you started.
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