Sony recalls slim-line PS2 power adapters

Sony has set up a dedicated website for Australian consumers who suspect they may have one of the suspect power adapters (http://au.playstation.com/recall/). Alternatively, local slim-line PS2 owners can call 1800 823 133. Sony is replacing the AC adapters free of charge, and is advising consumers with the faulty adapters to unplug their PS2 from the mains. Sony locally has refused to comment on how many Australian consumers will be affected by the recall.

"As a precautionary measure, and until a replacement is provided, SCEE advises consumers owning one of the AC Adaptors affected by this Notice to unplug the PlayStation2 from the mains power supply and discontinue use until a replacement AC Adaptor is provided," the Sony website says.

See the diagram for AC power adapters affected. For more information, visit http://au.playstation.com/recall/.

Slim-line PS2 console owners can check if their AC adapter is being recalled by looking at its label. Adapters considered at-risk and eligible for the recall are printed with the model number "HP-AT048H03" and have one of the following five date stamps: 2004.8, 2004.9, 2004.10, 2004.11, 2004.12. See the diagram above and visit the Sony recall website for step by step instructions on how to receive a replacement.

Sony explains that a small component supplied to the subcontracting manufacturer of the AC Adaptors has been found to be vulnerable to overheating. The company assures slim-line PS2 owners that the component was not used in the manufacturing of AC Adaptors after December 2004.

According to Reuters and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Sony received 38 reports of the adaptors overheating in North America. Reports to the CPSC included two minor burns, one minor shock, and four reports of minor property damage.

Microsoft ran into similar problems with the power cords of the Xbox, and initiated a recall for more than 14 million AC adapters. Once again, overheating was cited as the problem.