Recalled electrical cable in roof void?
Recalled electrical cable in roof void?
I was doing an annual timber pest inspection at a long term client’s home, and noticed that there was some new wiring installed through the roof void for a new air conditioner. At the Queensland Master Builders Technical and Institute of Building Consultants committee meetings, the Infinity electrical cable disaster has been a topic of conversation. Infinity supplied electrical cable to Masters Home Improvement and others, and the cable was later found to be a non-conforming product, in that the cable insulation wasn’t standing up to the Australian roof void and wall temperatures, potentially creating electrocution and fire hazards. This resulted in the wiring being recalled (www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1061753). The supplier (Infinity) collapsed, and the distributors (Masters and others) have been left exposed to replacement claims.
I looked at the cable, and found it was a 2013 Olsent (Infinity) cable. I’ve referred the client to the recall website, and suggested she refer the issue to her air conditioner supplier for advice. If the air conditioner supplier is hesitant, then further advice can be sought from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The electrical cable issue isn’t a termite issue, but it’s one that I do get to see by inspecting the roof voids that I do. Being aware of this Infinity cable issue, I seem to have gotten into the habit of checking any recent electrical cabling I find. As in this case, if I find an issue of concern (even if it’s not termite related), I’ll always let my clients know what I’ve found. I guess it’s just simply treating others the way you’d prefer to be treated yourself.
