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Detachable plugs on Targus power adapters

CPSC Recall #03-097 — March 19, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-097
Recall DateMarch 19, 2003
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 125,000
Manufactured InUnited States

Where It Was Sold

Major retail stores nationwide sold the adapters between July 2002 and March 2003 for between $90 and $120.

Product

Detachable plugs on Targus power adapters

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Comarco Inc., of Irvine, Calif., is voluntarily recalling to replace about 125,000 detachable plugs on power adapters. The plug can break open and expose live wires, posing an electrocution or electric shock hazard to consumers.Comarco has received 12 reports of the plugs breaking open, though no injuries have been reported.The recalled AC plugs, which were sold with 70-watt AC power adapters, have the word "ChargeSource" printed on top of the plug. The black adapters have a model name of "Targus" and model number of PA-AC- 70W-2, which can be found on a label on the back of the adapter. The name "Targus" also appears in white letters on the front of the adapter. The adapters were manufactured in the United States.Major retail stores nationwide sold the adapters between July 2002 and March 2003 for between $90 and $120.Consumers should stop using the AC plugs immediately and contact Comarco to obtain a free replacement plug. Consumers should contact Comarco collect at (949) 599-7400 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or log on to the company's website at www.regcen.com/comarco.

Hazard

The plug can break open and expose live wires, posing an electrocution or electric shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

Comarco has received 12 reports of the plugs breaking open, though no injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the AC plugs immediately and contact Comarco to obtain a free replacement plug.

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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