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Compaq Computer is to recall 1.4 million laptop AC power adapters after five of them overheated and failed.
The company announced on Friday a worldwide voluntary recall and replacement programme for around 1.4 million AC adapters used with a certain number of its notebook products. According to Compaq, these AC adapters and power cords can overheat, creating a possible fire hazard.
Although no one has been hurt or any property damaged in the five incidents, Compaq said that it considered the defect enough of a risk to warrant the recall. A spokesperson for Compaq Ireland told ElectricNews.Net that it was too early to say how many notebooks would have to be recalled in Ireland or what the cost to the company will be. AC adapters usually retail at around IEP40, depending on the model.
Compaq has initiated an exchange programme through which affected customers will receive a new replacement AC adapter and power cord for each recalled AC adapter, free of charge.
Compaq stressed that the recall and replacement programme affects only AC adapters with the below listed Model Series Number, not the notebook computers themselves. These adapters were sold as separate options, as replacement parts, and with certain of the following notebook computers: Armada models M300, M700, E500, 110, E500s, V300, 100s and 3500; and Prosignia models 170, 190, and Notebook 100.
The affected AC adapters can be identified by the adapter Model Series Number located directly under the Compaq Computer Corporation name on the AC adapter label: PPP003SD, PPP003, and PP2012 (Armada 3500 only).
Compaq said that the recall and replacement programme involves AC adapters made by only one of its multiple manufacturers and, as such, not every notebook computer listed above will be affected by the recall.
An AC adapter consists of a small rectangular black AC adapter box that has 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.
Compaq urged customers to discontinue use of the recalled AC adapter and to order a replacement adapter immediately. For more information on the recall and replacement programme in the Republic of Ireland call Compaq at 016015611, or go to its AC Adapter recall Web site http://www.compaq.com/products/notebooks/adapterrecall.
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