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How many Surface power cords are a fire risk? 2.25 million in the US alone

But five million slab-books sold worldwide before March last year

Microsoft has yet to go public on the number of Surface Pro power cords it is recalling over fire concerns, but the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has: it’s more than two million Stateside alone.

As revealed last month, Microsoft claimed it received reports that cords for the first, second and third generation of the slab-book sold before 15 March could be faulty. It warned this was as a result of them being "wound too tightly, twisted or pinched over an extended period”.

The US Commission last night said it had received 56 reports of AC cords “overheating and emitting flames”, and another five of “electrical shock to consumers”.

The advice to users is to unplug the machine, stop using the power cord and contact Microsoft. And remember people, stay calm. The consumer org said “about 2.25 million” units are being recalled.

Microsoft has said it will provide one AC power cord free of charge and that no proof of damage is required. People with more than one Surface device will need to submit a claim for each one. It is NOT necessary to send in the old cords.

According to estimates from channel analyst Canalys, Microsoft has sold around five million Surface devices since launch, up to and including the first calendar quarter of last year.

Apple is also in the process of recalling Mac and iOS travel adapters following reports of two-pronged plugs electrocuting folk in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Continental Europe, New Zealand and South Korea. ®

 

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