Compaq recalls power adapters for notebook computers because of fire hazard

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ Compaq Computer Corp. is recalling about 594,000 power adapters and cords used with certain notebook computers sold in the United States because they can overheat and cause fires.

Thursday, October 4th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Compaq Computer Corp. is recalling about 594,000 power adapters and cords used with certain notebook computers sold in the United States because they can overheat and cause fires.

Houston-based Compaq has received five reports of fires contained to the AC adapter cases, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday. No injuries were reported.

This recall, part of a worldwide recall of more than 1.4 million AC adapters, involves adapters with the model series number ``PPP003SD,'' ``PPP003'' and ``PP2012.'' The number is located directly under ``Compaq Computer Corporation'' on the AC adapter label.

The AC adapters were sold individually and with the following notebook computers: Armada M300, Armada 3500, Armada M700, Armada E500s, Armada E500, Armada V300, Armada 100s, Armada 110, Notebook 100, Prosignia 170, Prosignia 190.

Compaq distributors sold computers with these AC adapters and the individual adapters from September 1998 through July 2001. The computers with these adapters sold for between $999 and $4399 and the individual adapters sold for between $65 and $98.

The safety commission said consumers should stop using the recalled AC adapter and power cord and contact Compaq to order free replacements.

For more information, consumers can call Compaq toll-free at 1-888-302-7689 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday.