Tens of thousands of homes across Australia are at risk of catching fire because of faulty, non-compliant electrical cables installed in the past four years, the consumer watchdog warns.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says Infinity and Olsent cable ranges, sold widely through 18 retail groups including Masters Home Improvement, Thrifty and Mitre 10, could become brittle and spark fires from 2016 and onward.
It suspects the suspect cabling is being used in as many as 40,000 homes and businesses in Australia. Of the 4000 kilometres sold, nearly half - 1849 kilometres - was sold to New South Wales consumers between 2010 and 2013.
All sizes and configurations of the white TPS (Thermoplastic-sheathed) and Orange Round Infinity mains power cables have failed safety tests because of inferior plastic insulation coating.
"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," ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.
The ACCC says the cables will age at different rates subject to ambient temperature and the load placed on them.
The commission is so concerned it has formed a special taskforce involving consumer agencies and building and safety regulators to execute a nationwide product safety recall.
The recall served as a reminder to companies sourcing from cheaper overseas suppliers whose products may not meet quality standards, Mr Sims said.
The initial investigation and early recall of loose wiring began late last year when an electricity cable provider made a complaint about the "dodgy" product to the NSW electrical safety regulator, ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
"It's regular electrical wiring for anything - it could be for all your lighting, powerpoints, airconditioning, the oven or hot water installation. It's important that if you've had work done, to contact your electrician or building manager. If you've done any work yourself, check with your supplier."
The cabling could have also been used in apartments, so owners suspicious of cables used should check with the building manager, she said.
Anyone who had electrical wiring work carried out at their homes in the past four years - 2010 to 2013 in New South Wales, 2011 to 2013 in the Australian Capital Territory, 2012 to 2013 in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, and 2013 in Tasmania – is urged to find out from the responsible builder, electrical contractor or appliance installer whether infinity cables were used.
Anyone unsure about the timing of the work should contact the electrician or appliance installer to arrange an inspection.
Those unsure about who conducted the wiring job should arrange for a licensed electrical contractor to inspect the wiring.
If infinity cables were used, the supplier will inspect and replace the wiring for free.
In NSW, the faulty cables were available for purchase between 2010 and 2013 at the following retailers and wholesalers: Masters Home Improvement; John Danks & Sons (trading as Home Timber & Hardware, Plants Plus and Thrifty-Link Hardware); Mitre 10; Pioneer Electrical Supplies; Salmon Bros. Data and Electrical; United Electrical and Data Supplies; Alliance Electrical Wholesalers; Sydney Electrical Wholesalers; Ramax Electrical Wholesalers; Network Electrical Supplies; Go Electrical; Advanced Electrical Wholesalers, EZLEC Trade Supplies & Project Lighting.