Apple recalls wall plug adapters, including those sold for New Zealand, after 12 electric shock incidents
PLUS: Microsoft recalls Surface Pro power cords.
PLUS: Microsoft recalls Surface Pro power cords.
Apple and Microsoft are both recalling products over electric shock danger.
Apple has announced a voluntary recall of AC wall plug adapters designed for use in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Continental Europe, New Zealand and South Korea.
The company says in very rare cases, affected adapters may break and create a risk of electrical shock if touched.
Apple says it is aware of 12 incidents worldwide.
These wall plug adapters shipped with Mac and certain iOS devices between 2003 and 2015 and were also included in the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit (see graphic below for how to indentify one of the affected plugs).
The recall does not Apple USB power adapters (that is, the plug that comes standard with iPhones and iPads).
Apple is asking customers to stop using affected plug adapters. Customers should visit www.apple.com/support/
An affected two-prong plug adapter has either four or five characters or no characters on the inside slot where it attaches to the main Apple power adapter. Redesigned adapters have a 3-letter regional code in the slot (EUR, KOR, AUS, ARG or BRA).
Microsoft recall
Microsoft has recalled their AC power cords for Microsoft Surface Pro, Microsoft Surface Pro 2, and some Microsoft Surface Pro 3 devices.
The cords can become damaged if bent or tightly wrapped, which means they could overheat and cause a fire or electric shock, the company says.
Replacements can be requested through Microsoft's website or by phoning 0800 002298.