Millions of Surge Protectors Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Name of product:
APC SurgeArrest surge protectors

Hazard:
The surge protectors can overheat, smoke and melt, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy: Replace

Consumer Contact:
Schneider Electric IT Corp., toll-free at (888) 437-4007 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at http://recall.apc.com, or http://www.apc.com and click on the Recall link to submit a claim and obtain more information.

Units: About 15 million

Description:
This recall involves APC 7 and 8 series SurgeArrest surge protectors manufactured before 2003. The model and serial numbers are located on a label on the bottom of the surge protector. The two numbers that follow the first letter or letters in the serial number sequence indicate the year of manufacture. The unit is included in the recall if the numbers are 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01 or 02. APC and the words Personal, Professional, Performance or Network are printed on the surge protectors. The following model numbers are included in this recall.

Incidents/Injuries:
The firm has received 700 reports of the surge protectors overheating and melting and 55 claims of property damage from smoke and fire, including $916,000 in fire damage to a home and $750,000 in fire damage to a medical facility.  There are 13 reports of injuries, including smoke inhalation and contact burns from touching the overheated surge protectors.

Remedy:
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled surge protectors, unplug them and contact Schneider Electric for a free replacement surge protector.

Sold at:
Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, and other stores nationwide from January 1993 through December 2002 for between $13 and $50.

Manufacturer
American Power Conversion (APC), now known as Schneider Electric IT Corp., of West Kingston, R.I.