Certain SKL brand electrical cables are now prohibited in Queensland, and their sale or installation is strictly forbidden. The affected cables fall under the category of 'polymeric insulated electrical cable,' characterized by PVC sheathing and PVC insulation, commonly known as TPS in the trade.
The following SKL brand cables are prohibited:
- VVF2C1E001 1mm² thermoplastic sheathed and insulated cable marked with the year 2013
- VVF2C1E105 1.5mm² thermoplastic sheathed and insulated cable marked with the year 2013
- VVF2C1E205 2.5mm² thermoplastic sheathed and insulated cable marked with the year 2013
- VVF2C1E004 4mm² thermoplastic sheathed and insulated cable marked with the year 2013
- VVF2C1E006 6mm² thermoplastic sheathed and insulated cable marked with the year 2013
- VVF2C1E010 10mm² thermoplastic sheathed and insulated cable marked with the year 2013
- VVF2C1E016 16mm² thermoplastic sheathed and insulated cable marked with the year 2013
This prohibition specifically applies to electrical cables and not to computer/data or TV cables (coaxial cables) or speaker wires. It pertains solely to TPS cable marked with the year 2013.
Reasons for the prohibition: The PVC material used as electrical insulation on these cables is not a suitable compound and does not comply with Australian safety standards. While there's no immediate safety risk to householders, ongoing testing indicates that this cable may deteriorate faster than standard cable. Premature brittleness may occur, especially when exposed to high heat sources, potentially leading to cable cracking and posing a risk of electric shock or fire.
Who to contact: House occupiers concerned about the use of this cabling in their homes should reach out to their builder or a licensed electrician for an inspection. A risk assessment will determine the replacement timeframe based on factors such as ambient temperatures, duration of higher temperature exposure, electrical loading, and cable location. As each installation is unique, the assessment will be tailored accordingly. House occupiers are urged to engage a licensed electrician and avoid undertaking their own electrical work or inspections.
Unused cable: Unused SKL cable with the 2013 marking must not be installed. Discussions are ongoing between the Electrical Safety Office and SKL regarding the necessary actions to eliminate the electrical risk.
More information: The ESO is in discussion with SKL Australia Pty Ltd, the responsible supplier of the affected cable, to determine the amount of cable sold, and to whom and where it was sold, and the recall actions SKL Australia Pty Ltd will take in relation to the non-compliant cable.
Other SKL cable is currently being reviewed, however the 2015 marked TPS cable from SKL has passed the tests that have been applied to date.
Further information is available by calling the Electrical Safety Office on 1300 362 128.
The prohibition notice was issued on 9 October 2015.