Schneider Electric is recalling 15 million surge protectors that already have caused two major fires. Schneider Electric IT Corp., a Rhode Island-based multinational corporation that manufactures uninterruptible power supplies, electronics peripherals and data center products, is recalling 15 million surge protectors, citing fire hazards. Effected units are APC 7 and 8 series SurgeArrest surge protectors made before 2003.
The company, a division of the French multinational group Schneider Electric, says the products are prone to overheating and may cause fires. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has received 700 reports of the surge protectors overheating and melting, and 55 reports of property damage from smoke and fire. Those reports include one fire that caused $916,000 in damage to a home, and other that caused $750,000 in damage to a medical facility. The agency also received 13 reports of injuries to people, including smoke inhalation and burns from touching the surge protectors.
Affected units were made in China and the Philippines before 2003 and were sold at Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA and other department and electronics stores from January 1993 to December 2002. Most cost between $13 and $50. If you own an APC SurgeArrest and have not been injured or suffered a loss as a result of the surge protector overheating or catching fire, unplug it immediately and contact Schneider Electric at 888-437-4007 for a free replacement. If you or your dependents have suffered an injury or loss, place your damaged surge protector in a bag or box and contact a product liability attorney with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell at 800-251-1111.