Microsoft is recalling more than 2 million AC power adapters because of the possibility to cause a fire and electric shock, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Tuesday.
The recall involves nearly 2.25 million AC power adapters distributed with Microsoft Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 devices before March 15, 2015. On top of that, it notes that almost 190,000 power cords were purchased in Canada.
It likewise covers accessory power supply units that come with an AC power cord sold independently prior to the said date.
“The recalled power cords do not have a 1/8-inch sleeve on the cord on the end that connects to the power supply,” says the CPSC.
Microsoft has so far documented five reports of electric shock and 56 reports of AC power cords catching fire upon overheating.
Impacted consumers can request for a replacement via the company's support site. Microsoft guaranteed that as soon as the replacement AC power cord is ordered, this will be shipped to the customers from seven to 10 business days.
Meanwhile, to make things clearer, the recall does not affect AC power cords sold with Surface RT, Surface Book, Surface 2, Surface 3 and Surface 4. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that this does not include Surface Pro 3 tablets acquired after March 15, 2015.
Earlier this year, Microsoft already issued a voluntary recall for Surface Pro AC power cords bought previous to March 15 last year in the U.S. and Canada, and before July 15 in other markets.
While the Redmond-based company said the risk is minimal and “a small number of [its] customers have reported the issue,” it still chooses to deal with concerns “by making free replacement cords available to all eligible customers.”
The recall comes hot on the heels of news about Apple voluntarily recalling AC wall plug adapters because of a shock hazard. These adapters are particularly built for use in Australia, Argentina, Continental Europe, Brazil, Korea and New Zealand.
"These wall plug adapters shipped from 2003 to 2015 with Mac and certain iOS devices, and were also included in the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit," says Apple.
