Microsoft Recalls 2.4M Surface Pro Power Cords

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Microsoft recalled the AC power cords for a number of its Surface Pro devices after receiving 56 reports of the cords overheating and emitting flames, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Tuesday.

Additionally, there were five cases in which consumers received an electrical shock from the cord, the commission stated.

Microsoft is recalling 2.25 million Surface Pro cords in the US and an additional 190,000 in Canada.

The recall affects AC power cords that were sold before March 15, 2015, for the Microsoft Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, and Surface Pro 3. The recall also pertains to the accessory power supply units that include an AC power cord and were sold separately before March 15, 2015.

In citing the problem with the cord, the commission noted the recalled power cords lacked a 1/8-inch sleeve at the end of the cord that connects with the power supply.

Microsoft is offering a free replacement cord. It notes that if you have more than one Surface Pro device a replacement order is required for each device, according to its support page, which outlines how to get a replacement cord. Microsoft also has an FAQ page for its cord recall.

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Microsoft's recall comes about one week after Apple voluntarily recalled some of its AC wall plug adapters sold in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Continental Europe, New Zealand, and South Korea between 2003 and 2015. These adapters were shipped with Macs and certain iOS devices during this period, as well as with the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit.

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