Targus electric wiring

8 reports to CPSC, the latest made Dec 18, 2014. A report isn’t a recall.

Watch it to hear when CPSC publishes new reports about it. CPSC’s own search

Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own search is on saferproducts.gov.

At a glance

From SaferProducts.gov, released Oct 25, 2026.

8reports to CPSC
Dec 18, 2014the latest report was made
Aug 18, 2011the earliest
8with the company’s comments

Brand: Targus
Maker: TargusMakers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
Product: Electric wiringNot panel boards or outletsCPSC’s product type: Electric Wire or Wiring Systems (Excl Panelboards Recept (code 4062), in Home Maintenance and Structures: Electrical Systems

By month

1 report from January 2014 to December 2014; the most in December 2014, 1. 7 earlier reports, since August 2011, are in the table.

The numbers, as a table

Reports to CPSC by the month each was made, newest first
Month	Reports
December 2014	1
September 2013	1
June 2013	2
August 2012	1
October 2011	1
September 2011	1
August 2011	1

How badly anyone was hurt

Hurt, no treatment 4 CPSC: Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
No one hurt 4 CPSC: Incident, No Injury

As each report says it, in short words; CPSC’s own words are under each.

The reports, as CPSC published them

Reports people made to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC publishes each one after sending it to the company named, and doesn’t guarantee they’re accurate. A report isn’t a recall.

Each report is the words of the person who made it, as CPSC published them. The company’s comments, where CPSC published any, are set apart as the company’s own.

CPSC, SaferProducts.gov public database export. Released Oct 25, 2026. Updated daily.

Hurt, no treatment
Made Dec 18, 2014, sent to the company Dec 30, 2014, published by CPSC Jan 14, 2015

The product, in the report: Universal laptop power adapter/charger. Unit is black and measures 5”x2”x1.25” (approx.). It is a standard looking power transformer with a 110V cord on one side and a generic cord on the other end that plugs into one of several tips provided with the unit. See http://www.targus.com/US/targus-laptop-charger for more info.

Targus Universal Laptop AC Adapter, model APA31US, was plugged into an [REDACTED] laptop using the ‘P’ tip provided with the Targus Adapter. Per the Targus website this model adapter with the ‘P’ tip is compatible with this laptop. On 12/17/14 the tip became very hot, burning my wife’s hand (no medical attention required) and melting the plastic in the tip. The tip melted to the point that it can no longer be inserted into the charge port on the laptop. Based on research, it looks like Targus had a recall out for a similar issue; however based on the information on their website the model involved with this incident was not covered by the recall.

Model
APA31US
Serial number
F156121412009312-0A
Bought from
Best Buy, Florida
Bought
May 1, 2014, about then
Where
Unspecified: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Female
The reporter’s relation to them
My Spouse
As this report names them
Brand Targus, made or sold by Targus
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received

The company’s comments, in its own words

(1/14/2015) Targus: This comment is in response to report No:20141218-7303B-2147437754 provided to Targus on December 30, 2014. The subject product is a Targus Universal Laptop AC Adapter, model APA31US. Targus has attempted multiple times to communicate with the consumer. Targus has not had the opportunity to inspect the subject unit, to verify the reported incident nor to determine whether the alleged incident, to the extent it occurred, was due to any misuse or alteration of the subject unit. Targus takes customer satisfaction and product safety very seriously. Targus investigates each CPSC database incident report and report received by our Customer Service Center. If you have any additional information about incidents, or to address any other issues, please contact our Customer Service Center, at (877) 482-7487

CPSC report 20141218-7303B-2147437754. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Sep 26, 2013, sent to the company Nov 6, 2013, published by CPSC Nov 21, 2013

The product, in the report: Universal power adapter for laptops

Caller cannot remember when or where he purchased the universal power adapter that he is reporting but believes it has probably been a couple of years. Targus had recommended this model for this computer.
He had no problems with the adapter until around the end of February/beginning of March 2013 when he had to have the power jack replaced because the adapter melted it’s own tip, casings on the computer and the connections on the mother board of his computer. This repair worked for a few months then around the middle of August 2013 the adapter was responsible for melting the same connections again.
Consumer complained to the manufacturer September 23rd or 24th, 2013 and was provided incident number [REDACTED].Targus stated that they will not assist him with any damage claim because this has caught fire twice.
There have been no injuries
Caller is asking that CPSC inspect this adapter for a potential recall because he considers it a very dangerous fire hazard.

Model
APM-12US or APA01
Serial number
RO710009621
Bought from
unknown, New York
Where
New York, New York: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
made or sold by Targus
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

The company’s comments, in its own words

(11/15/2013) Targus: This comment is in response to report No: ID: 20130926-271C7-1358283 provided to Targus on November 6, 2013.
Targus Customer Service representatives have had multiple interactions with this customer in an effort to help him. During the course of these interactions, the customer indicated that he had changed the original power port on his computer to something other than the original manufacturer equipment. Since his computer specifications had changed, it was not possible for Targus to confirm the power adapter’s compatibility with the new power port. Customer contends that he had to change the original power port as a result of a failure allegedly caused by the power adapter. Targus advised the customer that if he had contacted Targus prior to replacing the power port, Targus could have conducted an investigation of the original equipment at that time, as is its practice.
Targus notes that there is no recall in place for the subject power adapter and that the power adapter in question is out of warranty.
Targus takes customer satisfaction and product safety issues very seriously. Targus investigates each CPSC database incident report and report received by our Customer Service Center. If you have any additional information about incidents, or to address any other issues, please contact our Customer Service Center, at (877) 482-7487.

CPSC report 20130926-271C7-1358283. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Hurt, no treatment
Made Jun 29, 2013, sent to the company Jul 9, 2013, published by CPSC Jul 23, 2013

The product, in the report: Targus USB 4 port USB travel hub ModelACH7405US Item# 50 Serial Number 1004003228. If you look at the photos you can see where the plastic is warmped.

I purchased a Targus USB adapter that expands one usb port into four ports. I purchased 2 of these devices approximately 2 years ago. I was using one and had one still in the package. Today I got an error message from my computer saying one or more USB devices were drawing too much energy, then I started smelling burning plastic. I shut off the computer and attempted to find the source of the burning smell and found that the USB adaptor was melting and very hot. The case of the adaptor had actually warped from the heat. My partner immediately unplugged the device and burned his finger in doing so. We will not use either one of these products any more and wanted to notify someone in case there were other people in danger. This could pose a fire and personal safety hazard. The model number is ACH&405US serial number 104003228 Item 50. The UPC code I included in my report is one I got from looking the product up online. The spare one I have still in package is still packed since we just moved a little over a month ago and have not unpacked everything.

Model
ACH7405US
UPC
0092636231798
Serial number
1004003228
Bought from
Walmart, Illinois
Bought
Aug 1, 2011, about then
Where
United States, Massachusetts: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 54, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
My Spouse
As this report names them
Brand Targus, made or sold by Targus
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received

The company’s comments, in its own words

(7/17/2013) Targus: This comment is in response to report No: 20130629-450BF-2147454690 provided to Targus on July 9, 2013. The subject product is a Targus USB 4 port USB travel hub. Targus has attempted to contact the consumer. Targus has not had the opportunity to inspect the subject unit, to verify the reported incident nor to determine whether the alleged incident, to the extent it occurred, was due to any misuse or alteration of the subject unit. Targus takes customer satisfaction and product safety issues very seriously. Targus investigates each CPSC database incident report and report received by our Customer Service Center. If you have any additional information about incidents, or to address any other issues, please contact our Customer Service Center, at (877) 482-7487.

CPSC report 20130629-450BF-2147454690. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Hurt, no treatment
Made Jun 14, 2013, sent to the company Jun 24, 2013, published by CPSC Jul 9, 2013

The product, in the report: Targus laptop charger

My Targus laptop charger, which I purchased from Staples last year has heated up to the point that the insulation has melted and has exposed copper wire showing. It is their No. APA3201 Serial No. 1203010432. The main power supply is too hot to hold in your hand and has burnt my hand and leg. What is the proper way to handle this?

Model
APA32US Item No. -51
UPC
?
Serial number
1203010432
Bought from
Staples, Florida
Bought
Nov 23, 2012, about then
Where
Concord, North Carolina: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 67, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Targus, made or sold by Targus
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received

The company’s comments, in its own words

(7/9/2013) Targus: This comment is in response to report No: 20130614-48A8B-2147455222 provided to Targus on June 24, 2013. The subject product is a Targus Universal Wall Power Adapter for Laptops. Targus is in communication with the consumer. Targus has not had the opportunity to inspect the subject unit, to verify the reported incident nor to determine whether the alleged incident, to the extent it occurred, was due to any misuse or alteration of the subject unit. Targus takes customer satisfaction and product safety issues very seriously. Targus investigates each CPSC database incident report and report received by our Customer Service Center. If you have any additional information about incidents, or to address any other issues, please contact our Customer Service Center, at (877) 482-7487.

CPSC report 20130614-48A8B-2147455222. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Aug 27, 2012, sent to the company Oct 3, 2012, published by CPSC Oct 18, 2012

The product, in the report: Targus plug adapter with laptop charger

The consumer stated that she purchased a plug adapter with laptop charger that she purchased on 11/11/2011. The consumer stated that the adapter became extremely hot and it melted. The consumer stated that the metal that would connect to the computer was completely covered with the plastic that had melted.
The consumer stated that she decided to stop using the adapter and purchased a new adapter of the same model and brand on 08/22/2012. The consumer stated that this particular charger within 12 hours became extremely hot; the plastic base melted and became stuck onto the back of the laptop.
The consumer stated that no one was injured.
The consumer stated that she contacted the manufacturer and they directed her to CPSC. The consumer was informed that the manufacturer had recalls on a similar power adaptor and she should contact us to see if hers was included.
UPDATE: Please note that the laptop will no longer charge as a result of the adapter being melted into the laptop and having to use pliers to remove the adapter. Consumer had a tech look at it and the metal piece that the adapter goes into is now loose.

Model
APA32US
Serial number
1205007101
Bought from
Walmart, North Carolina
Bought
Nov 11, 2011
Where
Cleaveland, North Carolina: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Unspecified
The reporter’s relation to them
Unspecified
As this report names them
Brand Targus, made or sold by Targus
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

The company’s comments, in its own words

(10/11/2012) Targus: This comment is in response to report No: 20120827-1671C-1268794 provided to Targus on October 1, 2012.
The subject product is a Targus Universal Wall Power Adapter for Laptops. Although certain Targus Universal Wall Power Adapters were the subject of a recall conducted by the CPSC and the manufacturer of the product, Comarco, and supported by Targus, the private labeler, (Release #10-214, April 30, 2010), the unit reported in this incident was not subject to the recall. Targus has not had the opportunity to inspect the subject unit, to verify the reported incident nor to determine whether the alleged incident, to the extent it occurred, was due to any misuse or alteration of the subject unit.
Targus takes customer satisfaction and product safety issues very seriously. Targus investigates each CPSC database incident report and report received by our Customer Service Center. If you have any additional information about incidents, or to address any other issues, please contact our Customer Service Center, at (877) 482-7487.

CPSC report 20120827-1671C-1268794. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Oct 25, 2011, sent to the company Nov 2, 2011, published by CPSC Nov 17, 2011

The product, in the report: Universal Power Adapter Power cord overheated and melted

Laptop power cord overheated and melted

Model
universal wall power adapter for laptop
UPC
a090gr001L ca02
Serial number
f1-091002804501
Bought from
walmart
Bought
Jun 1, 2011, about then
Where
camp hill, Pennsylvania: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 50, Female
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand targus, made or sold by Targus
Reports CPSC links to it
20111025-FD92C-2147473966
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

The company’s comments, in its own words

(11/15/2011) Targus: This comment is in response to report No: 20111025-58851-2147473956 provided to Targus on November 2, 2011and report No: 20111025-FD92C-2147473966 provided to Targus on November 1, 2011, each of which are reports relating to the same product and are repetitive.
The Targus Universal Wall Power Adapter for Laptops, was the subject of a recall conducted by the CPSC and the manufacturer of the product, Comarco. (Release #10-214, April 30, 2010). The recall was supported by Targus, who was the private labeler. The unit reported in this incident is one of those subject to the recall and the issue reported here was addressed by the recall. The recall provided a mechanism for the return of the product and remedy for the reported issue. While the subject unit was part of the recall, Targus has not been able to determine whether the recall condition actually existed in the subject unit nor the cause of the reported incident.
Targus takes customer satisfaction and product safety issues very seriously. Targus investigates each CPSC database incident report and report received by our Customer Service Center. If you have any additional information about incidents, or to address any other issues, please contact our Customer Service Center, at (877) 482-7487.

CPSC report 20111025-58851-2147473956. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Hurt, no treatment
Made Sep 16, 2011, sent to the company Sep 23, 2011, published by CPSC Oct 12, 2011

The product, in the report: Power adapter for laptops that can be connected to AC wall power or 12 volt car cigarette lighters.

I have a Targus Universal wall/auto/air power adapter for laptops. Part Number APM62US. The power adapter started getting very hot, and then on a commercial flight from Hawaii to Los Angeles on American Airlines, the tip started smoking. When I disconnected the adapter, I burned my fingers and then noticed that the tip and the cable were both singed and inoperable.

Model
APM62US-03
Serial number
F1-091001648301
Bought from
Best Buy
Bought
Feb 1, 2010, about then
Where
Garden Grove, California: Other
Who was involved
Age 42, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Targus, made or sold by Targus
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received

The company’s comments, in its own words

(9/28/2011) Targus: This comment is in response to report No: 20110916-7F66A-2147475281 provided to Targus on September 23, 2011. The Targus Universal Wall Power Adapter for Laptops, was the subject of a recall conducted by the CPSC and the manufacturer of the product, Comarco. (Release #10-214, April 30, 2010). The recall was supported by Targus, who was the private labeler. The unit reported in this incident is one of those subject to the recall and the issue reported here was addressed by the recall. The recall provided a mechanism for the return of the product and remedy for the reported issue. While the subject unit was part of the recall, Targus has not been able to determine whether the recall condition actually existed in the subject unit nor the cause of the reported incident.
Targus takes customer satisfaction and product safety issues very seriously. Targus investigates each CPSC database incident report and report received by our Customer Service Center. If you have any additional information about incidents, or to address any other issues, please contact our Customer Service Center, at (877) 482-7487.

CPSC report 20110916-7F66A-2147475281. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Aug 18, 2011, published by CPSC Sep 12, 2011

The product, in the report: Targus World Power Travel Adapter APK01 APK01US1

Purchased a “Targus World Power Travel Adapter” (APK01) at Office Depot in Alexandria, VA to take on a business trip to Germany. Upon arrival at the Marriot Hotel in Heidelberg Germany, I attempted to use the product (the Europe adapter) in accordance with its “User Guide” and was not able to get power through the product. I inspected the brand new product and found no obvious defects or problems. Wiggling the US power plug in the adapter caused audible arcing and snapping and smoke along with visible damage to the US power plug.

Model
APK01
UPC
92636 24936
Serial number
-
Bought from
Office Depot
Bought
Jul 30, 2011
Where
Heidelberg, Germany: Other
Who was involved
Age 51, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Targus, made or sold by Targus
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

The company’s comments, in its own words

(9/14/2011) Targus: This comment is in response to report No: 20110818-A02E2-2147476123 provided to Targus on August 26, 2011 and posted as a comment through the CPSC Business Portal. Based upon the information provided in the report, Targus is unable to verify whether the product identified in the report was a Targus branded product nor whether such product (if it was in fact a Targus product) contained an issue or, whether the alleged failure was the result of use or other extraneous factors. Targus has sought the return of the product to conduct a proper examination and evaluation to verify the manufacturer, alleged failure and cause of the failure, if such occurred, but, to date, has been unsuccessful in retrieving the product. Targus takes customer satisfaction and product safety issues very seriously. Targus investigates each CPSC database incident report and report received by our Customer Service Center. If you have any additional information about incidents, or to address any other issues, please contact Matt Nale at MNale@targus.com or (714) 575-7560.

CPSC report 20110818-A02E2-2147476123. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov

CPSC’s disclaimer

Disclaimer: CPSC does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of the Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database on SaferProducts.gov, particularly with respect to information submitted by people outside of CPSC.

Word for word, from the disclaimer in CPSC’s export.

Sources

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, SaferProducts.gov public database export.

Released Oct 25, 2026 and checked Oct 25, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.

Reports of harm are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on SaferProducts.gov. CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record.

Targus electric wiring

At a glance

By month

How badly anyone was hurt

The reports, as CPSC published them

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources

How to read a record

Every fact names its source.

A number never stands alone.

What needs attention is marked.

The public record comes first.