In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other international safety authorities, Apple is voluntarily recalling certain AC adapters that were sold for use with PowerBook G3 systems shipped from May 1998 until March 2000. Apple has initiated an exchange program and will provide you with a new replacement AC adapter, free of charge.

No Titanium PowerBook G4 or iBook AC adapters are part of this recall.

The affected AC adapters could overheat, posing a fire hazard. Apple received six reports of these adapters overheating. No injuries have been reported. Apple urges you to stop using your AC adapter and to order a replacement adapter immediately. If you continue to use your adapter, do not leave it unattended while it is plugged into any power outlet and check for signs of overheating.

The small rectangular black AC adapter box has a permanently attached cord on one end to connect to the computer and a detachable two-prong cord on the other end to plug into an AC outlet. It is approximately 4.75 inches long by 2 inches wide. The label located on the side of the adapter reads in part, "Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC Adapter" and "Model Number: M4402."

The recall only includes AC adapters with a two-prong connection that came with prior generation PowerBook G3 systems or that were purchased separately in standalone adapter kits for use in North America, Japan, Latin America, and Asia Pacific regions. The recall does not affect AC adapters with a three-prong connection (Model Number: M5159) that were supplied for use in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Apple will also replace two-prong AC adapters that customers purchased from VST Technologies for use with external battery chargers or as second adapters.