There has been a widespread recall of 2.1 million APC Uninterruptible Power Supplies with many Back-UPS units affected. The models included in the recall are models CS 325, 350, 475, and 500. These were manufactured between November 2000 and December 2002. The recalled units could overheat posing a potential fire hazard. So please check your UPS unit.

To see if your UPS unit has been recalled, check the label located on the bottom of the unit. If the first six characters of the serial number fall with the following ranges, your unit is a part of the recall.

AB0048 through AB0251

BB0104 through BB0251

JB0125 through JB0251

The affected model numbers - or SKU's - include the BK350, BK500 and BK500BLK as well as the BK325I , BK325RS, BK475I , BK475RS, BK350-AZ, BK350-FR, BK350-IT, BK350-UK, BK350EI, BK350JP, BK500-AZ, BK500-BR, BK500-FR, BK500-GR, BK500-UK, BK500-IT, BK500EI, BK500JP, BK500TW, BK350IX218.

Any units with an “R” at the end of the serial number are not included in the recall.

If you find that your unit has been recalled, stop using it immediately. For a free replacement product call APC at 866-272-7359 (Between 9 am and 5 pm EST Monday through Friday) or visit the APC Web site at www.apc.com/rely.

APC has been very responsive in sending out replacement units which all include a new two-year warranty until the end of 2004.