Surge protectors recalled because of fire hazards

Austin readers may or may not be aware that the Consumer Products Safety Commission has recently announced a product recall of power-surge devices from Schneider Electric because of fire risks. The CPSC said that Schneider’s Series 7 and 8 APC SurgeArrest protectors, which were manufactured in China and the Philippines before 2003, have melted or overheated and produced fire and smoke damage. In total, there were about 700 total reports received regarding the items, including 13 injuries sustained as a result of contact burns and smoke inhalation, which helped prompt the recall effort.

The CPSC has advised consumers to stop using these items immediately and follow directions at either the CPSC or Schneider Electric web site to obtain replacements free of charge. These particular surge protectors were sold at Circuit City, CompUSA, Best Buy and other stores around the country, including here in Texas.