Microsoft Confirms 285,000 Surface Power Cords Being Recalled

By Lorraine Caballero, Christian Post Contributor Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Microsoft is recalling 285,000 Surface tablet power cord sets due to overheating issues and has warned users not to use the defective cords to prevent fire or electric shock.

The announcement of the recall of the Microsoft Surface power cords comes in the wake of 50 reported incidents of cord failures in Australia. Fortunately, no fire or injury was reported in connection with the defective cords, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

The recall covers power cords for the Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, and Surface Pro 3 sold from 2013 up to July 15, 2015 in Australia. In the United States, the units covered are the tablets sold before March 2015, ZDNet reports.

Microsoft says over 4 million cord sets are affected by the overheating and failure worldwide, the report adds.

"As a result of damage caused by AC power cords being wound too tightly, twisted or pinched over an extended period of time, a very small proportion of Surface Pro customers have reported issues with their AC power cord," a spokesperson from Microsoft told ZDNet in an email. "We will be releasing details of how customers can obtain a free replacement cable shortly."

Lily D'Ambrosio, the Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, said there were several incidents in which the flexible power cord failed, leading to the exposure of live wires.

In connection with this, D'Ambrosio encouraged affected customers to immediately stop using the cords and get in touch with Microsoft for a replacement.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has put up an information page for customers who want to get their defective power cords replaced. Based on the said page, the recall does not apply to AC power cords for the Surface RT, Surface 2, Surface 3, Surface Pro devices sold after March 15, 2015, Surface Pro 4, Surface Book, DC power cords, and power cord sets for docking stations for the Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, Surface Pro 3, and Surface 3.

Microsoft's information page also instructs affected customers to submit one replacement order for every Surface Pro device and that the company will replace the cord for free. The firm does not require users to present proof of damage for the recall and replacement of the defective power cords.