News: Apple Recalls USB Power Adapter

Sometimes things just have design flaws and need to be recalled. On Friday, Apple announced that the tiny “Ultracompact” AC adapter included with the iPhone 3G and sold separately were being recalled because the metal prongs can break off in an outlet. Only a small percentage of adapters sold have had this actually happen.

The official word from Apple — good adapters will have a green dot on them:

Apple has determined that under certain conditions the new ultracompact Apple USB power adapter’s metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating a risk of electric shock. We have received reports of detached blades involving a very small percentage of the adapters sold, but no injuries have been reported.

The ultracompact USB power adapters were supplied with every iPhone 3G sold in the US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and various Latin American countries, and may also have been purchased separately as an accessory.

Note: Apple USB power adapters supplied with original iPhones or supplied with iPhone 3G units sold in other countries are not affected.

Customer safety is always Apple’s top priority, and therefore we have voluntarily decided to exchange every ultracompact power adapter for a new, redesigned adapter, free of charge.

Users with ultracompact power adapters should immediately stop using them until they exchange them for a new, redesigned ultracompact adapter.

In the meantime, they should charge their iPhone 3G by connecting it to their computer with the USB cable that came with their iPhone or by using a standard-sized Apple USB Power Adapter (with fold up prongs) or with a third party adapter designed to work with the iPhone, such as a car charger.

The Exchange Process
Replacement adapters will be available starting Friday, October 10, 2008.

There are two ways to exchange your current ultracompact Apple USB power adapter for a new, redesigned adapter.

• Order a replacement adapter via the web. These replacement adapters will ship within three weeks of your order, starting on Friday, October 10.
• Exchange your adapter at an Apple Retail Store starting on October 10.

Seems pretty self-explanatory, right?