Some Dell AC adaptors recalled for risk of fire, electrical shock

Friday, October 8th 2004, 3:26 pm

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Dell Inc. is recalling about 2.9 million AC adapters nationwide_ 4.4 million worldwide_ used with notebook personal computers because they can overheat and cause a fire and electrical shock hazard, the company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday.

There were seven reports of the adapters overheating. No injuries were reported.

The adapters are used with the Texas company's Latitude, Precision and Inspiron notebook-style personal computers. The notebook computers have model numbers, either screened onto the surface of the computer or on a printed label on the bottom of the computer, listed on Dell's web site: www.delladapterprogram.com. The recalled adapters have the words ``DELL'' and ``P/N 9364U,'' ``P/N 7832D'' or ``P/N 4983D'' printed on the back.

The adapters, manufactured at Delta Electronics Inc. of Taipei, Taiwan, were sold with computers through Dell's web site and customer service center from September 1998 through February 2002. The adapters also were sold separately for $30 to $70.

Consumers should stop using the adapters immediately and contact Dell, at 800-418-8590 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday, to see if their adapter is included in the recall, since not all listed on the web site are included. Dell will send a free replacement adapter to consumers whose adapters are being recalled.