ACH-4U cellular phone chargers
CPSC Recall #96-043 - December 17, 1995
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 96-043 |
| Recall Date | December 17, 1995 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | 65,800 |
| Manufacturer | Mascot Electronic AS, of Norway |
| Manufactured In | Norway |
Where It Was Sold
| The chargers were sold nationwide from July |
| 1995 to November |
| 1995 under the brand names Nokia and AT&T. Various cellular phone dealers sold the chargers as part of the basic sales package or separately as accessories. |
Product
ACH-4U cellular phone chargers
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Mascot Electronic AS of Fredrikstad, Norway is recalling 65,800 ACH-4U cellular phone chargers used with Nokia cellular phones. Nokia has received reports that the charger's plastic cover may crack, and as a result the plug prongs located on the back of the charger may become loose. If the prongs loosen and break off of the charger while it is plugged in, the prongs can become lodged in electrical outlets. Consumers could receive an electrical shock if they try to remove the separated prongs from outlets. The rectangular, black, plastic chargers measure approximately 3 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, and 1 inch tall and have grooves on the side. The words, "Made in Norway," the model number, and date code appear on the label affixed to the charger. This recall only applies to ACH-4U chargers with date codes 9531 through 9546. The chargers were sold nationwide from July, 1995 to November, 1995 under the brand names Nokia and AT&T. Various cellular phone dealers sold the chargers as part of the basic sales package or separately as accessories. Mascot Electronic AS of Norway manufactured the chargers for Nokia. Consumers who own a model ACH-4U charger should stop using it immediately and call Nokia at (800) 204-2567. Nokia will help consumers identify whether their chargers are part of this recall, and if they are, how to receive a free replacement charger. Nokia is not aware of any injuries involving this product. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
Hazard
If the prongs loosen and break off of the charger while it is plugged in, the prongs can become lodged in electrical outlets. Consumers could receive an electrical shock if they try to remove the separated prongs from outlets.
Incidents & Injuries
Nokia is not aware of any injuries involving this product.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers who own a model ACH-4U charger should stop using it immediately and call Nokia at (800) 204-2567. Nokia will help consumers identify whether their chargers are part of this recall, and if they are, how to receive a free replacement charger.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.
No, you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.