THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has retracted claims that 240-volt air conditioners on some Jayco caravans could be deadly.

In a nationwide safety recall of nearly 400 of the company's Starcraft caravans, the commission had warned there was a chance of electrocution after it was discovered compressors could have been wired incorrectly.

But following an urgent approach by a startled Jayco official, the federal government authority quickly amended its recall notice, stressing: "There are no hazards presented by the product unless consumers attempt to repair it themselves."

Jayco marketing director Andrew Ryan told Caravanning News: "We recalled the caravans, but it was a voluntary recall.

"The incorrectly fitted wire was not a risk for any customers. It was incorrectly identified on the ACCC website and the message has since been modified."

Mr Ryan said no customers had been hurt or received an electrical shock from the incorrectly wired air conditioners.

"The main outcome was that they were not working as well as they should be," he added.

Mr Ryan said Jayco, the biggest builders of recreational vehicles in Australia, prided itself on taking care of the quality of its products and customers.

"We have a compliance team that focuses on every nature of our business and if there is an issue, we are proactive to rectify this and one way is to launch a recall.

"I believe that there wouldn’t be any other manufacturers that would have a compliance team and would certainly not be as proactive in handling any issues as Jayco does."

In a letter to Starcraft owners dated May 20, Jayco's national services manager Paul Morgan said it had decided to recall selected Starcraft caravans "as a safety precaution".

"Please contact your nearest dealer or service agent as soon as possible and arrange to have your Jayco inspected and rectified if required," he wrote.

"We sincerely apologise for this inconvenience. However, it is necessary to ensure the safe operation of your Jayco. We thank you in advance for your patience during the holiday season."

According to the amended ACCC notice, the incorrect wiring reverses the polarity and causes compressors to operate in reverse.

Serial numbers of Starcraft caravans affected are: