Over 15 Million Toshiba Adapters Recalled for Fire Hazards
Toshiba has issued a recall for more than 15 million laptop adapters in the United States due to the risk of overheating and fires. The recall also extends to AC adapters sold separately. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received nearly 680 reports of adapters overheating and catching fire, with 43 individuals suffering injuries as a result.
The affected adapters were manufactured in China and imported by Dynabook Americas, based in California. They are black in color and can be identified by the date codes on the CPSC webpage. Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled AC adapters and contact Dynabook Americas for a free replacement.
To obtain a free replacement, customers must submit a photo of the adapter and certify its proper disposal, sending the information to [email protected] It is important to note that in most cases, only the AC adapter will be replaced, not the power cord. Therefore, customers are advised to retain their power cables for continued use.
Dynabook Americas will provide a new power cord in certain cases where the replacement adapter requires a three-prong AC power cord instead of the original two-prong cord. The replacement adapter is typically shipped within seven to 14 days and comes with a 90-day limited warranty.
Although this recall affects a significant number of units, it is primarily focused on older models. Mikako Kitagawa, a director analyst at Gartner, explains that the impact on the market is relatively small since these adapters are for outdated devices. However, it is worth noting that years ago, AC adapters were a hot topic due to the possibility of overheating and fires.
Interestingly, Toshiba is not the only company recalling adapters this month. CableMod recently recalled its angled adapters used in GPUs (graphics processing units) due to fire risks. The CPSC’s recall notice states that the male connectors of these adapters can become loose, overheat, and melt into the GPU, posing fire and burn hazards. While no injuries have been reported, there have been property damage claims amounting to at least $74,500.
Around 25,300 units are affected by CableMod’s recall. The company is offering affected customers a full refund, including the cost of shipping, or a $60 store credit. CableMod is a Chinese manufacturer, and the adapters were sold through various websites, including CableMod.com and Amazon.com, for approximately $40.
In conclusion, the recall of over 15 million Toshiba laptop adapters is a significant event due to the risk of overheating and fires. Customers are urged to stop using the affected AC adapters and contact Dynabook Americas for a free replacement. It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by the company to ensure safety. Additionally, CableMod’s recall of angled adapters used in GPUs highlights the importance of vigilance when it comes to potential fire risks associated with electronic devices.
