Dell recalls laptop power supplies

Dell Inc. is recalling some of the one million electrical adapters manufactured in China by Delta Electronics Inc. of Taipei and sold for use with Dell notebook computers, following seven reports of the adapters overheating. The adapters pose a risk of fire or electrical shock, according to Dell.

So far, there have been no reports of injury by the adapters, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which is also publicizing the recall. The CPSC is a federal body charged with protecting U.S. consumers from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from consumer products.

About 990,000 adapters are affected by the recall. They were sold between September 1998 and February 2002 for use with some of Dell's Latitude, Precision and Inspiron notebooks, and are marked with the name "Dell" and the part numbers "P/N 9364U," P/N 7832D" or "P/N 4983D," according to the CPSC.

Not all such adapters are being recalled, according to the Dell: owners should contact the company to find out whether their adapter is affected. If it is, the company advises them to stop using the device, and send it back for free replacement. The company offers more information, and an online tool to find out whether a particular adapter is affected by the recall, at www.delladapterprogram.com.