Schneider Electric is recalling 15 million of its surge protectors because they can overheat or start a fire the United State Consumer Product Safety Commission said on its website.
"Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed," the statement read. "It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product."
According to recall information, the commission received 700 reports of devices overheating and melting. The group also had 55 reports of property damage from smoke and fire. One home in particular suffered $916,000 in fire damage, while a medical facility had $750,000 in damages from flames.
In regards to injuries, the commission received 13 reports which included smoke inhalation and burns from touching the items.
The commission is advising affected users to unplug and stop using the items and call Schneider at 888-437-4007 for a free replacement the commission reported. They can also visit the company website at www.apc.com. Consumers can check their model and serial numbers located on a label on the bottom of the protector to see if they have a recalled device.
"The two numbers that follow the first letter or letters in the serial number sequence indicate the year of manufacture," the commission said in a statement on its website.
The numbers included in the recall are 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01 and 02. In addition ot the figures, APC and the words personal, professional, performance or network are printed on the devices. The protectors were sold at Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA and other stores from January 1993 to December 2002. The items were also made in China and the Philippines, and are under the company's APC SurgeArrest brand.
Click here for a specific list of the seven series and eight series models affected.
