Schneider Electric IT Corp. and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have issued a recall of 15 million surge protectors. According to a CPSC report, Schneider’s APC SurgeArrest surge protectors may overheat, smoke, or melt, all of which pose fire hazards.
The recall affects APC 7 and 8 series models of the SurgeArrest products that were manufactured before the year 2003. These model numbers are found on a label on the surge protector. The units included have the numbers 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, or 02 printed after the first letter in the serial number; which indicates the year the unit was manufactured. The words Personal, Performance, Professional, or Network must also be included in the label. There are 32 different model numbers affected by the recall. For more details on the recall and all model numbers affected, go to http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Schneider-Electric-Recalls-APC-Surge-Protectors/.
There have been at least 700 reports filed concerning the surge protectors overheating and melting. Injuries including smoke inhalation and burns have been reported in 13 separate incidents. Additionally, there have been 55 claims of smoke and fire causing property damage, including nearly $1 million in damage to both a home and a medical facility.
Consumers are advised to stop using the products immediately and to unplug them. Schneider can be contacted by calling (888) 437-4007 or visiting http://recall.apc.com/. The company will provide a free replacement surge protector.
When it comes to electrical products, fires, electrocution, burns and property damage can result from a defect. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a defective product which caused a fire or a burn, a no-cost consultation with a New Jersey fire injury lawyer at Blume Forte may help you protect your rights. Call 973-845-4421.