ELPAC AC adapter for use with Kodak digital cameras

CPSC Recall #99-059 — February 9, 1999

Recall Summary

Recall Number99-059
Recall DateFebruary 9, 1999
Remedy Type
Units Affected120,000
ManufacturerELPAC Electronics Inc., of Irvine, Calif.

Where It Was Sold

Department
electronic
computer and camera stores
as well as mail-order and web retailers sold these AC adapters nationwide from March 1996 to August 1998 for between $40 and $80.

Product

ELPAC AC adapter for use with Kodak digital cameras

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Eastman Kodak Company, of Rochester, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling 120,000 AC adapters for use with certain Kodak digital cameras. When the connector plug of the AC adapter is not fully inserted in the camera, the batteries in the camera can overheat to a high temperature. This can cause the batteries to leak acid and explode, possibly causing thermal and chemical burns or lacerations to consumers. Kodak is aware of three reports of the batteries in these cameras overheating and rapidly discharging the battery's contents while using these recalled adapters, including one report of a consumer suffering minor injuries when a battery's content ejected from the camera onto his face and hand. These AC adapters were manufactured by ELPAC Electronics Inc., of Irvine, Calif. They were sold separately as optional accessories for use with Kodak digital cameras and authorized for use by Kodak. These AC adapters have model numbers 2534, 2457, MI2008 and M42008. The brand name and model numbers can be found on labels affixed to the adapters. These AC adapters have angled or tapered connector tips. ELPAC models 2534 and M42008 have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. The Kodak digital cameras that use these AC adapters have model numbers CD25, DC40, DC50 and DC120. The model number and "Kodak" are written on the front of the cameras. Only the ELPAC AC adapter is being recalled, and not the Kodak cameras. Department, electronic, computer and camera stores, as well as mail-order and web retailers sold these AC adapters nationwide from March 1996 to August 1998 for between $40 and $80. Consumers should immediately stop using the AC adapter with these digital cameras when they contain batteries. Kodak will replace, free of charge, these recalled ELPAC AC adapters with redesigned, UL-listed ELPAC AC adapters. To receive a postage-paid mailer to return your AC adapter, or for more information, contact Kodak toll-free at (888) 404-3711 between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. EST seven days a week. Consumers also can contact Kodak online at www.kodak.com/go/acadapter. If you purchased an AC adapter with an angled or tapered connector tip that was not authorized to be used by Kodak, it should not be used with these digital cameras. Kodak is not replacing AC adapters it did not authorize for use.

Hazard

When the connector plug of the AC adapter is not fully inserted in the camera, the batteries in the camera can overheat to a high temperature. This can cause the batteries to leak acid and explode, possibly causing thermal and chemical burns or lacerations to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

Kodak is aware of three reports of the batteries in these cameras overheating and rapidly discharging the battery's contents while using these recalled adapters, including one report of a consumer suffering minor injuries when a battery's content ejected from the camera onto his face and hand.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the AC adapter with these digital cameras when they contain batteries. Kodak will replace, free of charge, these recalled ELPAC AC adapters with redesigned, UL-listed ELPAC AC adapters. To receive a postage-paid mailer to return your AC adapter, or for more information, contact Kodak toll-free at (888) 404-3711 between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. EST seven days a week. 

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a remedy 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 (refund, replacement, or repair) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

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.