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Dell AC adapters, supplied with Latitude LM notebook computers and Latitude LM port replicators

CPSC Recall #98-014 - October 20, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number98-014
Recall DateOctober 20, 1997
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 233,000
Manufactured InTaiwan

Where It Was Sold

Dell's direct sales force
Internet ordering site and toll-free number sold the AC adapters with the Latitude LM notebook computers and port replicators from June 1996 to October 1997. The adapters also were sold separately for about $39.

Product

Dell AC adapters, supplied with Latitude LM notebook computers and Latitude LM port replicators

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dell Computer Corp., of Round Rock, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 233,000 AC adapters supplied with its Latitude LM notebook computers and Latitude LM port replicators in the United States. Dell also is recalling these adapters throughout the world. The port replicator is a docking station used to connect the notebook computer to an external monitor and keyboard. The AC adapter's connector pins can break off from the adapter and remain in the power cord, posing a shock hazard.Dell has received 111 reports of the adapters' connector pins breaking off. No injuries have been reported.These black AC adapters come with the Dell Latitude LM notebook computers and port replicators. The adapters are 4 inches long by 2.25 inches wide and have one attached cord and one detachable power cord. The bottom of the adapter is labeled in part, "DELL...MADE IN TAIWAN." These adapter can be identified easily because the first eight digits of the "DP/N" bar code are "00097689" or "00099500." The "DP/N" bar code is on the bottom of the adapter. The only versions of the "00099500" adapters that are subject to this recall are those that have "A00, A01, A02, or A03" at the far right of the bar code.Dell's direct sales force, Internet ordering site and toll-free number sold the AC adapters with the Latitude LM notebook computers and port replicators from June 1996 to October 1997. The adapters also were sold separately for about $39.Consumers should stop using these AC adapters immediately and contact the company to receive a free replacement adapter and instructions for the safe use of the computer. To contact Dell, call (800) 624-9896 between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.Latitude notebook computers and port replicators are not included in this recall.

Hazard

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

Incidents & Injuries

Dell has received 111 reports of the adapters' connector pins breaking off. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

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

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.

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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.

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