CPSC, American Power Conversion Corp. Announce Recall of Back-Up Power Supply Systems

The recalled Back-UPS® CS Uninterruptible Power Supply devices include the Back-UPS CS350 and the Back-UPS CS 500 models. The model number can be found on the front of the unit, along with the words, "Back-UPS CS" and "APC." In addition, one of the following numbers shows up on the bar code label located on the bottom of the unit: BK350, BK500, BK500BLK. The recalled power supply devices also have one of the following serial numbers - AB0048 through AB0251, BB0104 through BB0251, and JB0125 through JB0251 - which can be found on the bottom of the unit. Units with an "R" at the end of the serial number within the above ranges are not part of this recall.. Recalled by American Power Conversion Corporation (APC), of West Kingston, R.I.. Units affected: About 900,000.

The power supply device can fail, causing the unit to overheat, which may pose a fire hazard to consumers.

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.

This recall was issued by the CPSC on January 14, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 03068.