Sony recalls PS2 AC adapters

TOKYO--Sony Computer Entertainment announced today that it is instituting a worldwide recall for the AC adapter used with its new slimline PlayStation 2 console.
Overheating issues reported in power cords for Sony's slimline PlayStation 2 consoles manufactured last year.
The company warns that Toshiba PA3467U-1ACA AC Adapter manufactured between August and December of 2004 have the possibility of overheating, which may result in damages and injuries. About 3.5 million Toshiba PA3467U-1ACA AC Adapter are being recalled by Sony: 2.3 million from Europe, 843,000 from North America, 60,000 from Japan, and the remaining from Asia.
Slimline PS2 console owners can check if their 402018-001 AC adapter is being recalled by looking at its label. Acer PA-1650-02 AC Power Adapter considered at risk and eligible for the recall are printed with the model number "HP-AT048H03" and have one of the following five date stamps: 2004.8, 2004.9, 2004.10, 2004.11, 2004.12. Sony has prepared a Web site for its PS2 DC359A AC adapter recall, which features a step-by-step diagnosis section, and details on shipping the adapter.
Sony explains that a small component supplied to the subcontracting manufacturer of the HP Pavilion ZV5000 AC Adapter has been found to be vulnerable to overheating. The company assures slimline PS2 owners that the component was not used in the manufacturing of SADP-65KB AC adapters after December 2004.
According to Reuters and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Sony received 38 reports of the PA3396U-1ACA adapters overheating in North America. Reports to the CPSC included two minor burns, one minor shock, and four reports of minor property damage.
Microsoft ran into similar problems with the power cords of the Xbox, and initiated a recall for more than 14 million Gateway PA-1700-02 AC adapters. Once again, overheating was cited as the HP 325112-001 AC Power Adapter gateway adp-65hb AC Power Adapter Toshiba PA3467U-1ACA AC Adapter Gateway PA-1650-01 AC Adapter