The consumer watchdog says safety issues with Infinity electrical cables could arise as early as 2016, with a fresh round of recalls to begin today.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's chairman, Rod Sims, has told a Senate Economics committee estimates hearing that about 4,000 kilometres of Infinity and Olsent-branded Infinity electrical cables had failed ageing tests.

The problem is that the PVC protection around the cables that is supposed to provide insulation is expected to become prematurely brittle.

A new round of recalls is being announced today, under which suppliers will be required to fix the faulty cables.

Infinity cables were supplied in all states and territories, except the Northern Territory.

It is estimated that around 40,000 households and businesses may have been affected.

The cable was imported from China.

"We have have arrangements in place with all of the major suppliers to remediate that cable at no cost to the households and there's been another announcement today about the states proposals to remediate there as well," Mr Sims told the estimates hearing.

"The key issue to highlight is to raise awareness to people to check that if you had electrical cable between about 2010 and 2013, to check that it wasn't Infinity or Olsen cable."

Further recalls announced

State and territory safety regulators have announced additional recalls of Infinity cables.

The recalls cover two more suppliers in the ACT, and four more suppliers in Victoria.

"While the majority of this cable was supplied through the electrical retailers and wholesalers covered by the national recall on August 27, some cable was supplied in small quantities by a number of smaller suppliers," Mr Sims said.

"State and ACT safety agencies have now been in contact with those suppliers and have announced further recalls today."

The ACCC said that homes and businesses that have had electrical wiring work carried out during the relevant periods need to contact the responsible builder, electrical contractor or appliance installer to confirm whether Infinity cable was used.

If Infinity cable was used, the ACCC says the supplier will arrange for an inspection of wiring, free of charge to the consumer.

Under the recall, any Infinity cable installed in accessible areas or near heat sources must be removed and replaced.

More information can be found at www.accc.gov.au and www.recalls.gov.au.

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