Dell power adapters for notebook computers

CPSC Recall #04-560 — June 30, 2004

Recall Summary

Recall Number04-560
Recall DateJune 30, 2004
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 28,000
ManufacturerDell Inc., of Round Rock, Texas
ImporterDell Inc., of Round Rock, Texas
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Dell's website
through their mail order catalogs
and by phone order from December 2003 through May 2004 between $90 and $110.

Product

Dell power adapters for notebook computers

Description

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dell Inc., of Round Rock, Texas is voluntarily recalling about 28,000 Power adapters for notebook computers. Using power cords not intended for these adapters can pose a shock hazard.Name of Product: Power adapters for notebook computersUnits: About 28,000 unitsManufacturer/Importer: Dell Inc., of Round Rock, TexasHazard: Using power cords not intended for these adapters can pose a shock hazard.Incidents/Injuries: None reported.Description: Sold as an option for Dell notebook computers including their Latitude D400, D500, D505, D600, D800, X300, and Inspiron 300M, 500M, 510M, 600M, I8500 and I8600. "Dell," "Dell P/N W1451" is printed on top of the adapters.Sold at: Dell's website, through their mail order catalogs, and by phone order from December 2003 through May 2004 between $90 and $110.Manufactured in: ChinaRemedy: Free retrofit kits are provided by the manufacturer. These retrofit kits will prevent incorrect cables from being connected to the adapters. In the meantime, consumers should only use the power cables intended for these adapters.Consumer Contact: Call Dell toll-free at (877) 293-1197 between 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to order free retrofit kits. Consumers also can write to the company at Dell Inc., RR2E, MSC #8222, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682. Additional information can also be found on Dell's website at www.support.dell.com.

Hazard

Using power cords not intended for these adapters can pose a shock hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported.

Remedy Instructions

Free retrofit kits are provided by the manufacturer. These retrofit kits will prevent incorrect cables from being connected to the adapters. In the meantime, consumers should only use the power cables intended for these adapters.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair 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 (Repair) 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.