Compaq recalls power adapters

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).