CPSC, Apple Announces Recall of AC Adapter for Prior Generation PowerBook Laptops
Home product recall 01-188. Announced by CPSC on Jul 6, 2001.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Jul 6, 2001. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 570,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- None injuries, CPSC’s notice says
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
These AC adapters could overheat, posing a fire hazard.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using these AC adapters and contact Apple to receive a free replacement.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For more information, contact Apple at (866) 277-2096 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Sunday through Saturday, or go to their website at www.apple.com/adapterexchange/
Which ones are recalled?
No Titanium PowerBook G4 or iBook power adapters are part of this recall. The recall includes only AC adapters with a two-pin connector that came with Apple Macintosh PowerBooks or that were sold separately. The small rectangular black AC adapter box has a permanently attached cord on one end that connects to the computer and a detachable two-prong cord on the other end to plug into an AC outlet. It is approximately 4.75 inches long by 2 inches wide. The label located on the side of the adapter reads in part, “Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC Adapter” and “Model Number: M4402.”
About 570,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC Adapters.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Apple, Cupertino, Calif.
- Electronic and computer stores worldwide and Apple’s website sold these AC adapters with PowerBook G3s, from May 1998 through March 2000. They also were sold separately for about $69.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
Apple received six reports of these adapters overheating. No injuries have been reported.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.