Targus recalls laptop power adapters after hundreds overheat

Targus Universal Wall Power Adapters for laptops are the subject of a recall after more than 500 reports of the connector tips heating, including eight that burned consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

More than a half-million of the Chinese-made adapters are being recalled. In addition to the burns, which were said to be minor, more than 50 of the reports to the company involved the plastic encasing the connectors melting.

The following SKU numbers are part of this recall: APA23US-02, APA23US-03, APA23US-04, APA63US-03, APA63US-04, APM62US-03 and APM62US-04. The number is on the bottom of the adapter.

They were sold at retailers nationwide including WalMart, Best Buy and Staples from June 2009 through March 2010 for between $89 and $109 for adapters intended only for wall outlets and for $129-$149 for those that also included a car/airplane adapter.

Stop using the adapters immediately until receiving a refurbished replacement adapter from Comarco, the manufacturer.

To get more information, call Comarco toll-free at (877) 781-5186 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern Time or go to the company's recall page.