Apple USB Power Adapter Recall

Apple is recalling the ultracompact USB power adapters that were supplied with every iPhone 3G sold in the USA, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and several Latin American countries between July 2008 and September 2008. Under certain conditions, the adapter's metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating a risk of electric shock. Users with ultracompact power adapters should immediately stop using them until they exchange them for a new, redesigned ultracompact adapter.

These adapters were also sold during the affected period as replacement adapters.

No other iPhone adapters are part of this recall. The recall involves the specified adapters only, not the iPhones themselves.

Ultracompact adapters with a green dot on the bottom (pictured to the right) are the new, redesigned adapter and do not need to participate in this exchange program.

Identifying your adapter

Apple suggests, and Information Systems & Computing (ISC) agrees, that the most reliable and convenient way to identify a recalled adapter and order a replacement adapter is via Apple's web form. The replacement adapters will ship within three weeks of ordering, starting on October 10. Users who apply via the web will need to provide their name and address so that Apple can send them a new adapter along with a shipment box to return the affected adapter to Apple.

Users can also exchange their adapter at an Apple Retail Store starting on October 10. For an exchange at an Apple Retail Store, users will need to bring their affected adapter and their iPhone 3G with them to complete the exchange process.

For more information and pointers to instructions on how to inspect your adapter, and how to begin the adapter exchange process, see Apple's Ultracompact USB Power Adapter Exchange Program page.

--John Mulhern III, Lead for Client Technologies, ISC Technology Support Services (September 22, 2008)