Belkin has issued a recall alert on certain products in its TuneBase range, which allow you to listen to music while charging your iPhone and iPod in the car. The recall is due to a risk of short circuit and fire.
The specific products under recall are the F8Z441 TuneBase Direct with Hands-Free (also known as F8Z441au), F8Z442 TuneBase FM with Hands-Free and the F8Z176 TuneBase FM with ClearScan.
These products were sold between April 2009 and October 2009 from Apple Pty Ltd, Beyond the Box, Bing Lee, BMS Technology Pty Ltd, Brightstar Logistics Pty Ltd, Complete Computer Centre Wagga, Computers Now Sth Melbourne, Digital Appeal, Domayne, Express Online, Good Guys, Harvey Norman, Ingram Micro, JB Hi-Fi, Jerdon Pty Ltd, Joyce Mayne, Maccentric Chatswood, Mac 1, Macworx Joondalup, Next Byte, Radio Rentals, Raleru Ltd, Renaissance Limited, Retravision, The Mac Shop Launceston and WOW Sight & Sound.
“After a rigorous investigation, Belkin has determined that under certain conditions of heat, humidity, and prolonged periods of power-on (e.g., when the TuneBase is left plugged in overnight), some units with black washer have shown potential to smoke or pose a risk of fire,” said Belkin in a statement.
“Belkin has identified that a component of the TuneBase, the washer, may cause an electrical short circuit when the unit is plugged into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter adapter. The washer is a circular, black, plastic unit situated at the tip of the TuneBase’s cigarette lighter adapter.”
Belkin suggests that consumers immediately stop using these products and contact Belkin Limited to arrange for return of the product and replacement. Consumer can visit www.belkin.com/tunebaserecall or call the Belkin Recall Advice Line on 1800 142 829.