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Starting today, Microsoft is offering a free replacement power cable program to owners of its Xbox console as a precautionary measure. A potential fire hazard has been noted using existing power cables for Xbox units shipped before October 23, 2003 for all regions except Continental Europe. Xbox's in Europe made before January 13, 2004 are also potentially at risk.
Don't panic, though, as the chances of your Xbox catching fire are less than one in 10,000 at this point. Microsoft released a full statement addressing the issue along with information pertaining to how consumers can receive a free replacement power cord in around two for four weeks.
As a precautionary measure and out of concern for consumer safety, Microsoft announced today that it will voluntarily replace the power cords on 14.1 million Xbox consoles worldwide.
The replacement power cords are designed to protect consumers and their Xbox consoles from rare electrical component failures that can pose a fire hazard. Fewer than one in 10,000 consoles have experienced these component failures, and in almost all instances, any damage caused by these failures was contained within the console itself or limited to the tip of the power cord at the back of the console.
However, in 30 consoles worldwide, these failures are reported to have caused minor injury or minor property damage. In seven instances, customers reported sustaining a minor burn to their hand. In 23 instances, customers reported smoke damage, or minor damage to a carpet or entertainment centre.
In all regions except Continental Europe, Xbox consoles manufactured before 23rd October, 2003 require a replacement power cord. In Continental Europe, consoles manufactured before 13th January, 2004 require a replacement power cord.
"This is a preventative step we're choosing to take despite the rarity of these incidents," said Robbie Bach, senior vice president, Microsoft Home & Entertainment Division. "We regret the inconvenience, but believe offering consumers a free replacement cord is the responsible thing to do."
To order a replacement cord, consumers should go to www.xbox.com and click on the "Power Cord Replacement for Xbox" link. Replacement cords will arrive two to four weeks after the order is placed. While waiting for the new cord to arrive, consumers should turn off their Xbox consoles when not in use.
Not all replacement cords that Microsoft supplies to program participants will look the same. Which type of cord is shipped will depend on the date the console was manufactured and the country where it is used.
Don't panic, though, as the chances of your Xbox catching fire are less than one in 10,000 at this point. Microsoft released a full statement addressing the issue along with information pertaining to how consumers can receive a free replacement power cord in around two for four weeks.
As a precautionary measure and out of concern for consumer safety, Microsoft announced today that it will voluntarily replace the power cords on 14.1 million Xbox consoles worldwide.
The replacement power cords are designed to protect consumers and their Xbox consoles from rare electrical component failures that can pose a fire hazard. Fewer than one in 10,000 consoles have experienced these component failures, and in almost all instances, any damage caused by these failures was contained within the console itself or limited to the tip of the power cord at the back of the console.
However, in 30 consoles worldwide, these failures are reported to have caused minor injury or minor property damage. In seven instances, customers reported sustaining a minor burn to their hand. In 23 instances, customers reported smoke damage, or minor damage to a carpet or entertainment centre.
In all regions except Continental Europe, Xbox consoles manufactured before 23rd October, 2003 require a replacement power cord. In Continental Europe, consoles manufactured before 13th January, 2004 require a replacement power cord.
"This is a preventative step we're choosing to take despite the rarity of these incidents," said Robbie Bach, senior vice president, Microsoft Home & Entertainment Division. "We regret the inconvenience, but believe offering consumers a free replacement cord is the responsible thing to do."
To order a replacement cord, consumers should go to www.xbox.com and click on the "Power Cord Replacement for Xbox" link. Replacement cords will arrive two to four weeks after the order is placed. While waiting for the new cord to arrive, consumers should turn off their Xbox consoles when not in use.
Not all replacement cords that Microsoft supplies to program participants will look the same. Which type of cord is shipped will depend on the date the console was manufactured and the country where it is used.
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