Compaq recalls AC adapters

Product Safety Commission cites potential fire hazard

By Julie Vallese
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A potential fire hazard has prompted the recall of about 594,000 Compaq computer AC adapters in the United States, part of a worldwide recall of some 1.4 million AC adapters.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the voluntary recall Thursday.

The adapters can overheat, the commission says, possibly causing fires. Compaq has received five reports of fires involving the AC adapters. None has involved injuries.

AC adapters with the model numbers PPP003SD, PPP003 and PP2012 are involved in the recall. Consumers can find the model number directly under the words "Compaq Computer Corporation" on the AC adapter label.

The adapters were sold separately and with some Compaq Notebook computers.

The computers were sold by Compaq distributors from September 1998 through July of this year.

The adapters sold for $65 to $98 individually and the computers with adapters sold for $999 to $4399.

Consumers are being asked to stop using the adapters.

Free replacements can be obtained by calling Compaq at 888-302-7689 or by logging on to the company's Web site at www.compaq.com.