Compaq recalls power adapters
- By Dan Caterinicchia, Dan Caterinicchia
- Oct 08, 2001
Compaq Computer Corp. last week announced a worldwide voluntary recall and
replacement program for about 1.4 million AC adapters used with certain
notebook products because the adapters can overheat, posing a potential
fire hazard.
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Compaq
is recalling the AC adapter, which consists of a small rectangular black
AC adapter box with a permanently attached cord on one end to connect to
the computer and a detachable cord on the other end to plug into an AC outlet.
This recall and replacement program affects only the AC adapters, not the
notebook computers themselves.
All affected Compaq customers will receive a new replacement AC adapter
for each recalled AC adapter. There will be no charge to customers who participate
in the exchange program.
"Overall, we've received reports of only five out of 1.4 million AC
adapters overheating but, based on that information, have taken a highly
proactive stance to ensure the safety of Compaq customers," said Barbara
Crystal, Compaq spokeswoman, adding the company's government customers are
"not impacted by this AC adapter recall any more or less than any other
commercial market."
"Nevertheless, with probably several thousand of these AC adapters in
use by the federal government, we urge anyone with a recalled adapter to
discontinue using it and order a replacement immediately," Crystal said.
"Compaq will process and ship replacement AC adapter within 48 hours. Transit
time will add a few extra days but, in the U.S., we expect customers to
receive replacements within five to 10 days."
The recalled adapters display the model numbers "PPP003SD," "PPP003"
or "PP2012" on the label, directly under the words "Compaq Computer Corporation."
The AC adapters were sold individually and with the following notebook
computers: Armada M300, Armada 3500, Armada M700, Armada E500s, Armada E500,
Armada V300, Armada 100s, Armada 110, Notebook 100, Prosignia 170, Prosignia
190.
For more information, consumers can call Compaq toll-free at (888) 302-7689
or visit the company's Web site (www.compaq.com/products/notebooks/adapterrecall).