Apple Recalls Faulty iPhone 3G Power Adapters

Remember that game where your parents would tell you not to stick your fingers in electrical outlets and then you would and you’d get shocked? Well it’s now a real-life app for iPhone 3G owners! Here’s how to play: plug your iPhone 3G’s ultra-compact USB power adapter into the wall. If the prongs break off and get stuck in the outlet creating a risk of electrocution, you win! Or lose. Probably the latter, which is why Apple recalled the devices on Friday.

“We have received reports of detached blades involving a very small percentage of the adapters sold, but no injuries have been reported,” Apple said in a statement.

Spokeswoman Natalie Kerris could not say exactly how many adapters have broken in this way.

The recall affects ultra-compact USB power adapters sold in the United States, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Panama and Peru.

Adapters with a green dot on the bottom are safe and do not need to be replaced, Apple said.

Just because the adapters are hazardous doesn’t mean Apple has replacements ready. No, you’ll have to wait until October 10 for those. Until then, charge your iPhone 3G with either the standard USB adapter with the fold-up prongs, or your computer’s USB port.

Apple recalls tiny iPhone 3G adapters [AP]

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