Why are replacement AC Adaptors needed?
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has identified a possible safety concern with certain AC Adaptor units supplied with the black slimline PlayStation®2. These units have the potential to overheat and may cause an injury hazard to consumers. To ensure the quality and safety of PlayStation products for all consumers, SCEE has taken the decision to recall all AC Adaptors that might be affected in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australasia.
The only AC Adaptors that might be affected are those identified as:
· Manufactured between August 2004 and December 2004 and
· Supplied with the black slimline PlayStation®2 models SCPH70002, 70003 and 70004 and
· Bearing the product identification code HP – AT048H03 and
· Bearing one of the following date stamps:
o 2004.08
o 2004.09
o 2004.10
o 2004.11
o 2004.12
What is the cause of the problem?
A small component, supplied to the manufacturer of the AC Adaptors (not Sony) by a sub contractor and used in the AC Adaptor for the PlayStation®2 black slimline models between August and December 2004, has been found to be vulnerable to overheating.
The component was not used in the manufacture of AC Adaptors after December 2004.
How exactly did you discover the fault?
The fault was discovered from a small number of cases, reported to the customer service centres in North America, of the AC Adaptor overheating, and in several cases, melting. In Europe, the Middle East, Africa or Australaisa, SCEE has received 4 reports of overheating. These 4 incidents are minor and have not lead to any severe consequence but as a precautionary measure SCEE have taken the decision to recall the affected units from these territories
What is the possible extent of injury to a customer?
There is a low risk of injury to the customer in Europe, Africa, the Middle East or Australasia. There have been no reported instances of severe overheating of AC Adaptors leading to fire or injury in Europe, Africa, the Middle East or Australasia but as a precautionary measure SCEE have taken the decision to recall the affected units.
What countries are affected?
The recall of AC Adaptors is taking place globally.
How do I know if my AC Adaptor needs replacing?
The only AC Adaptors included in the recall are those identified as:
· Manufactured between August 2004 and December 2004 and
· Supplied with the black slimline PlayStation®2 models SCPH70002, 70003 and 70004 and
· Bearing the product identification code HP – AT048H03 and
· Bearing one of the following date stamps:
o 2004.08
o 2004.09
o 2004.10
o 2004.11
o 2004.12
Even if you bought your PlayStation®2 after December 2004 please check the AC Adaptor. The date on the AC Adaptor shows the date of manufacture and not the purchase date.
I can’t read the manufacturer or date what should I do?
Please call the customer helpline for assistance. If the manufacturer and/or date are illegible then we will replace the unit as a precautionary measure.
Do I have to pay for it to be replaced?
No, a replacement AC Adaptor will be sent to you free of charge. You will also be able to return the old unit free of charge.
Do I need a receipt for my PlayStation®2?
No receipt or proof of purchase is required.
How long will the AC Adaptor take to arrive?
We aim to send you a replacement AC Adaptor as soon as possible after you have placed an order. We will be able to provide an estimated delivery time once you have completed the order process.
What should I do whilst waiting for the replacement AC Adaptor to arrive?
Is it safe to continue using a PlayStation®2 in the meantime?
Whilst there have been no instances of overheating leading to fire or injury from the 2.3 million PlayStation®2 consoles sold with this AC Adaptor in Europe, Middle East, Africa or Australasia, SCEE advises customers with a unit which is covered by the recall, as a precautionary measure to unplug the PlayStation®2 from the power supply and discontinue use until a replacement AC Adaptor is provided.
If your unit is not one of those identified you may continue to use your PlayStation®2 as normal.
What should I do with the old AC Adaptor?
Once you receive the new AC Adaptor, please open the packaging carefully and remove the postage paid label inside. Put the old unit in the packaging provided, affix the postage paid label and send it back to us for disposal. The postage for this has already been paid.
Do I also need to send in the cable with the plug attached?
No, only the AC Adaptor needs to the returned. The plug and cable to the AC Adaptor does not need to be returned. This is a separate part which is not covered by the recall and will not be replaced.
How will you dispose of returned AC Adaptors?
All returned AC Adaptors will be disposed of under the careful and direct supervision of SCEE.
What will you do with my contact details afterwards?
Your details will only be used for this product recall and will not be used for any other purpose.
Can I go to the local retailer to replace my AC Adaptor?
No. Your local retailer will not be able to replace the AC Adaptor.
Will the new AC Adaptor look any different?
The new AC Adaptor will look the same as the previous unit.
Is any other part of the PlayStation®2 covered by the recall?
No, this recall is for the AC Adaptor only. This does not affect the main PlayStation 2 console, plug and cord or any other part.
How do you know that other PlayStation®2 consoles are not affected?
In addition to our continual safety and quality testing, we have carried out extensive testing of all other PlayStation®2 consoles. We are confident that the only parts affected are the AC Adaptors identified above.
I have the original PlayStation®2 model, do I also have to check?
No, this recall only relates to the black slimline version of the PlayStation®2 (models No. SCPH70002, 70003 and 70004) that was launched in November 2004. The original PlayStation®2 model is not affected.
In case the customer does not want the console exchanged, can they return the entire PlayStation®2 for a refund?
No. Only the AC Adaptor is covered by the recall and SCEE will not replace the PlayStation®2.
I have already replaced my PlayStation®2 and paid an out of warranty charge. How do I know this technical issue was not the problem?
Only later slimline PlayStation®2 consoles are affected, so they would all be under warranty.
Does this affect the AC Adaptor of a PSP?
No, this recall only covers the new black slimline PlayStation®2 model number SCPH70002, 70003 and 70004 and not other products produced by PlayStation.
Customer helpline
right

Sony has announced that they are  recalling 3.5 million PlayStation 2 power adaptors world wide. A small component in the power adaptors is vulnerable to overheating. Sony advises customers using a unit covered by the recall to unplug it and wait until a replacement AC adaptor is provided.

This recall affects only the AC adaptors that were  manufactured between August 2004 and December 2004 for the black slimline PlayStation 2, with the product identification code HP – ATH048H03. Users with an affected unit should visit the  AC Adaptor Replacement Programme website.

In North America, two people have suffered minor burns, one person suffered a minor shock and four people have reported property damage from the power adaptor overheating. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, reported Sony has received 38 reports of  adaptors overheating. Only four cases of overheating have been reported elsewhere.

Sony is not the only games console manufacturer to suffer from AC adaptor related issues. In February, Microsoft recalled 14 million power adaptors for the  Xbox due to a similar overheating problem.