Testing by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found the casing around the cables will degrade prematurely and insulation could break and expose live conductors, resulting in possible electric shock or fires if the cables are disturbed.

In NSW the faulty cables were sold between 2010 and 2013 in stores such as Masters Home Improvement, Home Timber and Hardware and Mitre 10 however, Brennan's Mitre 10 and Rexel Electrical Supplies in Dubbo both said they do not stock the cables.

A mandatory recall of the Infinity cables was initiated in NSW in October last year, but the recall has only recently been initiated Australia-wide.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said if any consumer thinks the cables were installed in their premises they should contact their builder, electrician or appliance installer to confirm whether cable covered by the recall was installed.

The ACCC recall of Infinity-branded cables relates to all sizes and configurations of white TPS and Orange Round infinity mains power cables.

Olsent power cables sourced from Infinity Cable Co Pty Ltd are also affected.