Apple Recalls PowerBook G3 Power Adapters
Customers urged to swap faulty adapter free of charge, after reports of overheating problems.
Linda Rosencrance, Computerworld
Friday, July 06, 2001
Apple is voluntarily recalling 570,000 power adapters that were sold
with older PowerBook models because they could overheat, creating a potential
fire hazard.
The recall affects adapters sold for use with the PowerBook G3 notebooks
shipped from May 1998 until March 2000.
The recall is being done in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission. In a statement, Apple says it has received six reports of
the adapters overheating. The company says no injuries were reported.
Apple says customers should stop using the adapters and not leave them
unattended while plugged into any power outlet. Customers should contact the
company to receive a free replacement.
Identifying the Adapter
The recall includes AC adapters with a two-pronged connection that came
with Apple Macintosh PowerBooks or that were sold separately. The small
rectangular black adapter has a permanently attached cord on one end that
connects to the computer and a detachable two-prong cord on the other end to
plug into an AC outlet. It is approximately 4.75 inches long by 2 inches wide.
The label located on the side of the adapter reads in part,『Macintosh
PowerBook 45W AC Adapter』and "Model Number: M4402."
The adapters were designed for use in North America, Japan, Latin
America, and Asia. The recall doesn't affect AC adapters with a three-prong
connection--bearing the model number M5159. Those were supplied for use in
Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Information on how to receive a replacement is available online at Apple's
site.
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