Safety regulator, American Power Conversion Corp. Announce Recall of Back-Up Power Supply Systems
Recall 03068 · Jan 14, 2003 · American Power Conversion Corporation (APC)
900,000
units affected
900,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 03068
- Date
- Jan 14, 2003
- Company
- American Power Conversion Corporation (APC)
- Units affected
- 900,000
- Product
- Back-UPS CS350 and Back-UPS CS 500 Back-up Power Supply devices
- Product type
- Adapter/Power Supply/Charger/Battery
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
The recalled Back-UPS® CS Uninterruptible Power Supply devices include the Back-UPS CS350 and the Back-UPS CS 500 models. The model number can be found on the front of the unit, along with the words, "Back-UPS CS" and "APC." In addition, one of the following numbers shows up on the bar code label located on the bottom of the unit: BK350, BK500, BK500BLK. The recalled power supply devices also have one of the following serial numbers - AB0048 through AB0251, BB0104 through BB0251, and JB0125 through JB0251 - which can be found on the bottom of the unit. Units with an "R" at the end of the serial number within the above ranges are not part of this recall.
What can happen
The power supply device can fail, causing the unit to overheat, which may pose a fire hazard to consumers.
The fix
Consumers should immediately stop using the power supply devices by turning off the power to all connected equipment, turning the Back-UPS CS off, and then unplugging it from the electrical outlet. To obtain a free replacement unit, consumers should contact the company.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- APC has received six reports of units overheating, resulting in the melting of the unit's outer casing and three reports of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
- Sold at
- Retailers, computer and electrical distributors, and catalogs nationwide sold the power supply devices, from November 2000 through December 2002, for between $70 and $130.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled back-ups cs350 and back-ups cs 500 back-up power supply devices?
Consumers should immediately stop using the power supply devices by turning off the power to all connected equipment, turning the Back-UPS CS off, and then unplugging it from the electrical outlet. To obtain a free replacement unit, consumers should contact the company.
What is the hazard?
The power supply device can fail, causing the unit to overheat, which may pose a fire hazard to consumers.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.