CPSC, American Power Conversion Corp. Announce Recall of Back-Up Power Supply Systems
CPSC recall 03068 · announced January 14, 2003 · American Power Conversion Corporation (apc) · 900,000 units affected
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.
The hazard
The power supply device can fail, causing the unit to overheat, which may pose a fire hazard to consumers.
What to do (per CPSC)
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.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): 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.
Consumer contact: Consumers may contact the company at (866) APC-RELY (272-7359) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or log on to the company's website at www.apc.com/rely
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.