HP adapter recalled on shock hazard
Manufacturer Philips Electronics is recalling about 93,000 power adapters for Hewlett-Packard PC speakers, citing a risk of electrical shock.
The adapters were sold by HP as part of its HP P1534A External Amplified Speaker set. The set was sold mainly in bundles with HP business desktops, between October 2000 and April 2002, but some companies then sold the computers to employees for personal use. HP also sold speakers and adapters individually.
Though no injuries have been reported, Philips has agreed to voluntarily recall the adapter because its power cord connector is not grounded and, therefore, poses a risk of electrical shock, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Council said.
The recall is the latest in a series of power adapter recalls announced by major manufacturers in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Council over the past two years.
Most of the other recalls, however, have involved notebook PC power adapters. In October 2001, for instance, Compaq Computer recalled 1.4 million notebook adapters, citing a risk of fire. Earlier that year, Apple Computer took back 570,000 notebook adapters, also citing fire risk. IBM withdrew 320,000 adapters for the same reason in 2000.
Dell Computer cited an electrical-shock risk when it asked customers to return notebook power adapters in 1997.
Hewlett-Packard also recalled power cords for several inkjet printers in March, citing the risk of electric shock.
The Consumer Product Safety Council warning says that the Philips-made adapter in question can be identified by a label on the bottom of the speakers that shows the model number P1534-60001.
The power adapter is black and measures about 3 inches high, 2 inches wide and 2 inches long, and includes a T-junction plug. "Model D12-1-A-950" and "Made in China" appear on a white label on the adapter. A photo is available on the Consumer Product Safety Council Web site.
The council recommends that PC owners who have the speakers stop using them and seek a replacement from Philips.
Philips can be reached at (800) 870-7193 or via its Web site.
More information is also available from the Product Safety Council's Web site or from HP's site.