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CPSC, Digital Equipment Corp. Announce Recall of AC Adapters for Notebook Computers

Note: Firm, phone number change.

  • Recalled AC Adapter (front)
Name of Product:
AC adapters (used with its HiNote VP 500 series notebook computer)
Hazard:

The AC adapters' connector contact pins can break off from the adapter and remain in the power cord, posing a shock hazard. The connector pins connect the AC adapter to the AC power cord.

Remedy:
Replace
Recall Date:
September 04, 1997
Units:

20,000

Consumer Contact

As Digital has been bought out by Compaq, call Compaq at 800-225-5385.

Recall Details

Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Digital Equipment Corp. of Maynard, Mass., is voluntarily recalling AC adapters used with its HiNote VP 500 series notebook computer. About 20,000 of these adapters were sold in the U.S. The AC adapters' connector contact pins can break off from the adapter and remain in the power cord, posing a shock hazard. The connector pins connect the AC adapter to the AC power cord.

CPSC and Digital Equipment Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these AC adapters. Digital is aware of eight incidents of a pin breaking off inside the power cord, one in the U.S., four in Australia, two in Canada and one in Asia.

These gray AC adapters come with HiNote VP 500 series of notebook computers. The adapters are 4 inches long by 2.25 inches wide, and have a 4 foot power cord attached. They can be identified by part numbers 30-47941-01 Rev. A01 or 30-47941 Rev. B01 which appears on the bar code label. 

Commercial dealers nationwide sold the AC adapters with the Digital HiNote VP 500 series from September 1996 through August 1997. These adapters also were sold separately by Digital or its commercial dealers.

Consumers should stop using these AC adapters immediately and contact the company to receive a free replacement adapter, as well as instructions for safe use of the computer. As Digital has been bought out by Compaq, call Compaq at 800-225-5385.

The Digital HiNote VP 500 series notebook computer is not included in this recall.

Remedy:

Consumers should stop using these AC adapters immediately and contact the company to receive a free replacement adapter, as well as instructions for safe use of the computer.

Incidents/Injuries:

CPSC and Digital Equipment Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these AC adapters. Digital is aware of eight incidents of a pin breaking off inside the power cord, one in the U.S., four in Australia, two in Canada and one in Asia.

Sold At:
Commercial dealers nationwide sold the AC adapters with the Digital HiNote VP 500 series from September 1996 through August 1997. These adapters also were sold separately by Digital or its commercial dealers.
Recall number:
97-183

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

If you are experiencing issues with a recall remedy or believe a company is being non-responsive to your remedy request, please use this form and explain the situation to CPSC.

About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC. 

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