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
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
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.
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 570,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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