The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·01188·Announced 2001-07-06

Apple Recalls 570,000 PowerBook AC Adapters Due to Overheating Fire Risk

Apple is recalling approximately 570,000 Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC adapters because they can overheat and pose a fire hazard. Consumers should stop using them and contact Apple for a free replacement.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with six reported overheating incidents but no reported injuries, which aligns with the rubric criterion for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Apple is recalling approximately 570,000 Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC adapters sold in the United States. The recall involves adapters with a two-pin connector that were included with PowerBook G3 laptops from May 1998 through March 2000 or sold separately for about $69. The adapters are small, rectangular, black boxes with a permanently attached computer cord and a detachable two-prong power cord. The label on the side reads "Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC Adapter" and "Model Number: M4402." Titanium PowerBook G4 and iBook power adapters are not part of this recall.

The adapters are being recalled because they can overheat, which poses a fire hazard. Apple has received six reports of these adapters overheating, but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should stop using these AC adapters immediately. To receive a free replacement, consumers should contact Apple at (866) 277-2096 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Sunday through Saturday, or visit www.apple.com/adapterexchange/.

The recalled product

Product
Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC Adapters
Manufacturer
Apple, of Cupertino, Calif.
Category
Consumer Product — Electronics Accessories
Hazard
Affected units
570,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same manufacturer · Apple, of Cupertino, Calif.

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Same hazard · fire

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