Fires prompt recall of 15 million surge protectors

Schneider Electric is recalling 15 million of its surge protectors because they may overheat or start a fire. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says it has received 700 reports of overheating and melting, and 55 reports of property damage from smoke and fire, including $916,000 in fire damage to one home and $750,000 in fire damage to a medical facility.

There were 13 reports of injuries, including smoke inhalation and burns from touching the surge protectors. The devices plug into outlets and are supposed to protect electronics from power surges. The recalled items were made in China and the Philippines before 2003 and are branded as APC SurgeArrest. Read more >>