In cooperation with CSA International, American Power Conversion Corporation (APC), of West Kingston, R.I., is voluntarily recalling about 50,000 back-up power supply devices. These devices are primarily used to protect computers in case of a power failure. The power supply device can fail, causing the unit to overheat, which may pose a fire hazard to consumers.

APC has received eight reports worldwide of units overheating resulting in the melting of the unit’s outer casing and three reports of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported and none of the reported incidents occurred in Canada.

The recalled Back-UPS® CS Uninterruptible Power Supply devices include the BK325I, BK325-RS, BK350, BK350EI, BK350-AZ, BK350-FR, BK350-GR, BK350-IT, BK350-UK, BK350JP, BK350IX218, BK475I, BK475-RS, BK500, BK500EI, BK500-AZ, BK500-BR, BK500-FR, BK500-GR, BK500-IT, BK500-UK, BK500BLK, BK500JP, and BK500TW product models in both 120 and 230 volt versions. The model number can be found on the bar code label located on the bottom of the unit. The recalled power supply devices also have one of the following serial numbers which can also be found on the label on the bottom of the unit.:

AB0048 through AB0251
BB0104 through BB0251
JB0125 through JB0251

Units with an “R” at the end of the serial number within the above ranges are not part of this recall.

Retailers, computer and electrical distributors, and catalogs nationwide sold the power supply devices from November 2000 through December 2002.

Consumers should immediately stop using the power supply devices by turning off the power to all connected equipment, turning the Back- UPS CS off, and then unplugging it from the electrical outlet. To obtain a free replacement unit, consumers should contact the company at (866) APC-RELY (272-7359) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or log on to the company’s website at  www.apc.com/rely

CSA International  is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA’s marks appear on over one billion products worldwide. CSA International is a division of CSA Group , which consists of CSA International, CSA , a developer of standards and codes, and QMI  for management systems registration.

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