The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) and the Australian Cablemakers Association (ACA) have warned of serious risk of fire and electric shock following the discovery of a second batch of faulty electrical cables which has been sold and installed over the last three years.

A voluntary trade recall has been issued for ECables Copper Clad Aluminium RE 110 type insulated power cables, following testing from accredited laboratories and advocacy by the ACA. The Victorian electrical safety regulator, Energy Safe Victoria has subsequently issued a mandatory recall of all sizes and configurations of the copper clad, aluminium power cables. Testing of these cables revealed incorrect cross-linked insulation that could lead to live wire exposure at temperatures greater than 50 degrees, creating the potential of fire, electrocution and personal injury.

It is believed the products have predominantly been used for major projects such as apartment buildings, hotels and commercial installations and was sold between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2014 through order at electrical wholesalers and supplied to trade account holders across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. The bulk of the cable has been installed in Victoria and it has not been installed in domestic housing.

The second recall comes just months after a full recall on dangerous Infinity and Olsent-branded cables – the largest of its type in Australia’s history.

Further information about the voluntary recall can be found here and specific information on the Victoria mandatory recall can be found here.