Gemcell wholesalers are renowned for their commitment to ensuring the products contractors use are fully compliant and suitable for Australian conditions, and Gemcell members Middy’s Lecky’s and CNW have partnered with the Australian Cable Initiative (ACI) to take part in a pilot program across Victoria to help contractors spot non-compliant cable.
Key takeaways for electrical contractors
The Victorian pilot is available through participating Middy’s, Lecky’s and CNW branches.
Contractors can submit a 3–4 metre sample of suspect cable for assessment.
The ACI will arrange testing and provide a report on the cable.
If the cable is found to be dangerous, the relevant state Electrical Safety Office will be notified.
The program helps contractors reduce the risk of installing non-compliant cable.
What is the ACI’s Check Cable Program?
The pilot project was launched on 1 June, and will run for six months – after which the need will be assessed and potentially rolled out nationwide should there be the demand.
The program was launched after the ACI was approached by a whistleblower who voiced concerns about suspect cable entering the market.
After looking into this, the ACI realised just how difficult it is for contractors to get a cable properly assessed when they’re unsure about its quality or compliance – and the pilot program came into being.
The ACI is here to support industry and make things safer – and providing an easy way to get a suspect cable looked at is a good first step and aimed at delivering some peace of mind to contractors.
Sandy Mennie, Secretary of the ACI, says, “This is an important issue as licensed contractors are ultimately responsible for what they install into a customer’s premises. So, if the cable is subsequently found to be dodgy the person responsible for correcting the issue will be the installing contractor.
“We don’t expect there to be a massive response as this would indicate that there is a much larger problem out there than we all perceive but if any contractor has a genuine concern about a length of cable then please don’t hesitate to get it back to us and we will give it a look for you.”
How does the ACI’s Check Cable Program work?
If you’ve been given cable to install that doesn’t quite look right, it’s important you check and validate it. Here’s how you can!
Step 1: Take a 3-4 metre sample of the affected cable – in good condition so it can be properly tested – to your participating branch (for a full list of branches visit www.checkcable.com.au) and discuss the matter with staff.
Step 2: The branch will complete an online form collecting all the necessary details. From there, the ACI will arrange to collect the cable and have it tested. We will get a report back to you as soon as possible.
Step 3: The cable may be fine to use, or at the other end of the scale it could be dangerous — in which case we will advise you and also alert the relevant state-based Electrical Safety Office for their action.
Which Gemcell branches are taking part in the Check Cable Program?
The following stores in Victoria are taking part in the pilot:
Following the Victorian pilot, the plan is to expand the scheme nationally, and the ACI is open to offering it to any ACI members who want to take part and offer the service to their customers.
Why should you use the ACI Check Cable Program?
It’s better to be safe than sorry — and to avoid the cost of having to re-install compliant cable down the track.
Frequently asked questions about the ACI Check Cable Program
Who can use the ACI Check Cable Program?
Electrical contractors with genuine concerns about suspect cable can submit a sample through participating branches.
How much cable is required for testing?
The ACI requests a 3–4 metre sample in good condition so it can be properly assessed.
What happens if the cable fails testing?
The contractor will be advised, and if the cable is considered dangerous, the relevant state Electrical Safety Office will also be notified.
Where is the pilot operating?
The pilot is currently operating through selected Middy’s, Lecky’s and CNW branches across Victoria.
Could the program become available across Australia?
Yes. Following the six-month Victorian pilot, the ACI will assess demand before considering a national rollout.
For more information on the program visit www.checkcable.com.au or visit Middy’s, Lecky’s and CNW Victorian stores.
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