The surge protector: One of the most underappreciated yet most important things you use with your computer. Think about it: When was the last time you replaced it? You’ve changed your computer and various other things, you’ve moved offices, but have you ever changed your surge protection? Now is a good time to take a peek at what you have everything plugged into, as your surge protector might have been recalled as a fire hazard.
As we’ve mentioned in our server power protection blog post, we like APC’s UPS devices, and we also use their surge protector power-strips. APC recalled many of their surge protectors that were manufactured prior to 2003. The devices can overheat under “abnormal electrical conditions, posing a possible fire risk to persons and property.” While it doesn’t go into detail as to what “abnormal electrical conditions” are, it’s better safe and sorry. You can read more about the recall and fail a claim here to get a replacement surge protector for free. More information is on the Consumer Products Safety Commission website
If you have an old, dusty power-strip under your desk with an APC logo, we recommend you check it against the model list on that page and look at the serial number. The two numbers that follow the first letter(s) in the serial number sequence indicate year of manufacture. The unit is included in the recall if the numbers are 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, or 02. We actually found a few around our office that we’re filing for recall replacement as well.
That being said, APC is not the only one (just the largest) to have recalled surge protectors. Looking through the CPSC website, Belkin also has a smaller recall as well.
Need to replace a bunch of surge protectors? Give us a call and we’ll get you a quote.