American Power Conversion (APC), now known as Schneider Electric IT Corp., of West Kingston, R.I. has announced a recall of APC SurgeArrest Surge Protectors because they can can overheat, smoke and melt, posing a fire hazard. The recall involves APC 7 and 8 series SurgeArrest Surge Protectors manufactured before 2003. The model and serial numbers are located on a label on the bottom of the surge protector and the two numbers that follow the first letter or letters in the serial number sequence indicate the year of manufacture. The unit is included in the recall if the numbers are 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01 or 02. APC and the words Personal, Professional, Performance or Network are printed on the surge protectors. For a complete list of recalled model numbers go here. The affected surge protectors were sold at Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, and other stores nationwide from January,1993 through December,2002 for between $13 and $50.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled surge protectors, unplug them and contact Schneider Electric for a free replacement surge protector. Contact info: Schneider Electric IT Corp., toll-free at (888) 437-4007 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online and click on the Recall link to submit a claim and obtain more information.