Following a voluntary recall, eCables has entered liquidation.

Back in November 2014, a voluntary trade recall was issued for Ecables Copper Clad Aluminium RE 110 Insulated power cables, following sustained testing and advocacy by the Australian Cablemakers Association (ACA).

On 12 January 2015, ECables entered into liquidation. It is yet unknown if this will affect the company’s recall insurance.

It is believed the questionable cable has been predominantly used for major projects such as apartment buildings, hotels and commercial installations.

ACA Chairman Andrew Davenport explains the latest round of cable recalls applies to Ecables CCA product sold between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2014.

“This cabling is designated to operate at temperatures up to 110 degrees Celsius and to conduct low-voltage power up to 1000V, which means it is supposed to be able to withstand higher load currents than similar size but lower temperature rated cables,” says Andrew.

“The cable is marked as rated to a conductor temperature of 110 degrees Celsius, but comprehensive testing has shown that the insulation fails at temperatures well below this rating, and that the cable insulation actually melts if the temperature reaches 110 degrees.

“Similarly, if the cable is operated at its rated current carrying capacity then the heat from the conductor causes severe and dangerous insulation deformation.

“This would leave the live conductors exposed and present a serious risk of fire, electrical injury or electrocution.

“ACA believes this insulation failure is even more dangerous and concerning than the recently recalled Infinity and Olsent cables.”