Targus laptop power adapters recalled for burn hazard

More than 500,000 units of Targus' Universal Wall Power Adapters for laptops have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Universal power adapters typically come with multiple tips that connect a wall power adapter to a laptop. The CPSC said in a statement last week that faulty wiring caused some tips to heat and melt plastic casing, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Comarco, which manufactured the power adapters for Targus, has received 518 reports of connector tips heating, according to CPSC. The CPSC has asked users to stop using the product and call the company for a free replacement.

This recall applies to 507,000 Targus laptop adapters with the model numbers APA23US-02, APA23US-03, APA23US-04, APA63US-03, APA63US-04, APM62US-03 and APM62US-04. The number can be found on the adapter. The power adapters were sold by retailers like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Office Depot, Staples and Amazon.com in the U.S. between June 2009 and March 2010 for US$89 to $149, depending on the model, which may plug into outlets on a wall, car or airplane.

Consumers in the U.S. can call Comarco at 1-877-781-5186 to request a replacement. Comarco has also established a Web site to answer questions and outline the recall process.