New York, New York
CNN
—
Dynabook Americas, the corporate previously generally known as Toshiba, has recalled 15.5 million Toshiba laptop computer AC adapters over potential burn and fireplace hazards.
The corporate mentioned it acquired 679 reviews of the recalled AC adapters overheating or catching on fireplace, melting and burning, together with 43 reviews of minor burn accidents.
Customers ought to stop using the adapters instantly and phone them for a free alternative, Dynabook Americas mentioned.
The recall applies to AC adapters offered each alongside Toshiba private laptop computer computer systems and offered individually, with date codes ranging between April 2008 by December 2012. The adapters have been manufactured in China.
Greater than 60 fashions are a part of the recall. The corporate published a webpage itemizing the impacted mannequin numbers and serial numbers for the adapters.
About 1.3 million of the affected adapters have been additionally offered in Canada.
Toshiba was as soon as a number one participant within the laptop computer market however now makes up about 1%, based on market analysis agency Gartner. These days, Lenovo dominates the class with 25%, adopted by HP (22%), Dell (17%) and Apple (9%).
“As a result of the adapters are for very previous fashions, it’s solely a really small proportion of the inhabitants that’s nonetheless utilizing them,” mentioned Mikako Kitagawa, a director analyst at Gartner.
AC adapters made headlines years in the past for dangers round heating up rapidly and catching on fireplace.
“It’s very attention-grabbing that that is taking place now,” Kitawgawa mentioned. “If these gadgets have been offered 5 years in the past, and never 15 years in the past, it could have a much bigger influence in the marketplace.”