CPSC Recall in 1997: CPSC, Digital Equipment Corp. Announce Recall of AC Adapters for Notebook Computers

Updated on March 25, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 1997.

Data Source: CPSC.

Recall Number: 97-183

Date: September 03, 1997

Product Name: AC adapters (used with its HiNote VP 500 series notebook computer)

Recall Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Digital Equipment Corp. of Maynard, Mass., is voluntarily recalling AC adapters used with its HiNote VP 500 series notebook computer. About 20,000 of these adapters were sold in the U.S. The AC adapters' connector contact pins can break off from the adapter and remain in the power cord, posing a shock hazard. The connector pins connect the AC adapter to the AC power cord.CPSC and Digital Equipment Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these AC adapters. Digital is aware of eight incidents of a pin breaking off inside the power cord, one in the U.S., four in Australia, two in Canada and one in Asia.These gray AC adapters come with HiNote VP 500 series of notebook computers. The adapters are 4 inches long by 2.25 inches wide, and have a 4 foot power cord attached. They can be identified by part numbers 30-47941-01 Rev. A01 or 30-47941 Rev. B01 which appears on the bar code label. Commercial dealers nationwide sold the AC adapters with the Digital HiNote VP 500 series from September 1996 through August 1997. These adapters also were sold separately by Digital or its commercial dealers.Consumers should stop using these AC adapters immediately and contact the company to receive a free replacement adapter, as well as instructions for safe use of the computer. As Digital has been bought out by Compaq, call Compaq at 800-225-5385.The Digital HiNote VP 500 series notebook computer is not included in this recall.

Hazard Description:

The AC adapters' connector contact pins can break off from the adapter and remain in the power cord, posing a shock hazard. The connector pins connect the AC adapter to the AC power cord.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Replace

Units: 20,000

Incidents:

CPSC and Digital Equipment Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these AC adapters. Digital is aware of eight incidents of a pin breaking off inside the power cord, one in the U.S., four in Australia, two in Canada and one in Asia.

Sold At:

Commercial dealers nationwide sold the AC adapters with the Digital HiNote VP 500 series from September 1996 through August 1997. These adapters also were sold separately by Digital or its commercial dealers.

Manufactured In: