SCI/TECH: X-Box Recalled for Fire Hazard, page 1

After several complaints of fire damage, including seven injuries, from faulty power cords, Microsoft has issued a recall for a staggering 14.1 million power cords that come with its popular X-box gaming console. This is nearly 75% of the estimated twenty million units sold. Owners of those units specified in the recall are urged to leave them unplugged when not in use until a free replacement cord can be shipped.

www.nypost.com
Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer for Microsoft, said the recall covered all Xboxes made for continental Europe before Jan. 13, 2004, and units made for the rest of the world before Oct. 23, 2003.

Consoles built after those dates were designed in such a way that the failures no longer occurred, Bach said.

Affected customers can request a new power cord free of charge via the Web site www.xbox.com, or U.S. customers can call (866) 271-0450 toll free.

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

I know there is a substantial percentage of console gamers here on ATS & BTS, so check your machine and see if it is covered by the recall. We need our members and their property intact! The incidents reported indicate that an electrical component failure can cause the tip of faulty cords to overheat and emit smoke. This has resulted in damage to carpets and furniture and a few minor burns.

Even if the odds are 1-in-10,000 of an incident occuring as Microsoft reports, it is better safe than sorry.

Related News Links:

PC World
www.kansascity.com

[edit on 18-2-2005 by Spectre]