Only 179 premises and just 5 per cent of the recalled Infinity and Olsent cable have been remediated according to the ACCC’s progress reports.

A nationwide recall of Infinity and Olsent cables was announced last year after it failed electrical safety standards due to poor quality plastic insulation coating. There is no immediate risk; however the cable may become prematurely brittle from 2016 onwards, which could cause fires or electric shock if the cables were then disturbed.

“The ACCC is very concerned about how many homes and businesses still have degrading Infinity cables installed. Consumers that purchased new properties, undertook renovations or had electrical work carried out in the past few years should contact a licensed electrician for a safety inspection to determine if Infinity cables were installed,” ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said.

If retailers or suppliers think that recalled cable has been used in renovations or appliance installations they should also contact their consumers.

If an electrician discovers Infinity or affected Olsent cables the cost of the inspection can be recovered by the supplier of the cable.

“Consumers should not attempt to inspect cables themselves. Any affected cable installed in accessible areas or near heat sources must be removed and replaced under the safety recall. We also urge electricians and builders to alert their consumers and their cable supplier if they have installed Infinity cables,” Rickard said.

The relevant periods of cable supply are: 2010-2013 (in NSW), 2011-2013 (in ACT), 2012-2013 (in Vic, Qld, SA & WA) and in 2013 (in Tas).

Related: ACCC: Masters ‘supplied approximately half’ of recalled Infinity electrical cable