The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says 62% of potentially deadly Infinity electrical cabling remains installed in homes and businesses nationwide.

The product, imported from China, was recalled a year ago after failing to meet Australian safety standards. Tests show poor-quality plastic insulation may break down, causing fires and electrocution from as early as next year.

About 3900km of the cable was installed in 40,000 properties, and the ACCC says just 38% has been remediated, posing “a serious and unnecessary risk”.

Deputy Chairman Delia Rickard is urging electricians and builders to take immediate action.

“State and territory regulators can issue rectification orders requiring electricians and builders to replace non-compliant cables, and will do so where Infinity cables are known to have been installed and contractors have simply ignored the problem,” she said.

“Such orders have already been issued and more are expected to follow.”

Electricians’ costs will be met by suppliers.

“It would be far better for electricians to be on the front foot and schedule this work rather than waiting to see if a regulator contacts them,” Ms Rickard said.

“While they do nothing, they run the risk of a house burning down or a fellow tradesperson or homeowner being electrocuted.”

Insurance industry sources have told insuranceNEWS.com.au some policies have blanket exclusions on faulty workmanship.

In this case, if the insurer found Infinity cabling caused a house to burn down, the owner would not be covered.

Other policies, while not covering rectification of faulty work, generally do cover resulting damage.