APC recalls 2 UPS models citing defects

American Power Conversion (APC) is recalling two of its Back-UPS models

worldwide. An estimated 2.1 million units are being recalled following worldwide

reports of overheating and melting of the outer casting of the devices. In the

US alone, the company is removing 9,00,000 units from client sites.

The recall is the largest to be undertaken by any company having a

manufacturing base in India and the massive exercise is being coordinated along

with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled models are in the 120-volt and 230-volt models and were

manufactured across its 20 facilities, including Bangalore, where the company is

engaged in manufacturing since 1999. The dates of manufacturing of the affected

machines are established as between November 2000 and December 2002.

"These models were not designed for Indian conditions, so all of these

models were exported. The exact number of units manufactured in Bangalore is not

known and the logistics department is proactively working and results should be

known within a week," says Anand Iyer, Country GM, APC India.

APC took the decision to recall its two models after receiving eight reports

worldwide of melting of the units’ outer casting due to overheating, six of

which occurred in the United States. Three of the reported incidents resulted in

minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

"This is the first time in 20 years that such an incident has been

reported and the conditions or the reasons causing the defect are not yet

known," comments Anand.

To learn more about the recall action and the process for replacing the

affected units, users should visit www.apc.com or call 866 APC-RELY (866

272-7359).

According to a company release, "Consumers with affected units can

identify them by the model markings on the front of the unit and by the serial

numbers located on the bottom of the unit. Only units with serial numbers having

the first six characters in the following ranges are affected: AB0048 through

AB0251, BB0104 through BB0251 and JB0125 through JB0251."

"Any unit with an "R" at the end of the serial number are not

part of the recall," the release adds.

APC has also issued a recommendation to the user that the UPS be immediately

removed from service by turning off all connected equipment, turning the UPS

unit off, and then unplugging the unit from the electrical outlet.

APC President and CEO, Roadger B Dowdell Jr in a statement says, "We

remain highly confident in the overall safety of our products, and will ensure

that this action results in a minimum inconvenience to our customers and channel

partners."

CIOL BUREAU,