Amazon UK chargerAs reported earlier, Amazon UK sent out an email warning purchasers of the Amazon Fire tablet and Fire Kids Edition of a potential safety problem with the device’s charger. I also own an Amazon Fire bought in the UK. Last night local time, I finally – and belatedly – received the email safety alert from Amazon.

The Amazon email begins:

Dear customer,

We have determined that, in rare cases, when the power adapter included with the UK Fire 7″ and UK Fire Kids Edition 7″ tablet is pulled from the wall socket, the adapter assembly may detach and create a risk of electrical shock.

Customer safety is our top priority, and we are proactively offering to replace affected power adapters with a new adapter, free of charge. There are two options for replacing your adapter:

1. We can apply a £12 [$16.88] credit to your Amazon account so you can purchase a power adapter of your choice.

2. We can send you a free replacement adapter.

For anyone who wants to check out further details, Amazon UK also provided a web link, here. That included the image of the affected charger, as shown above.

I’ve no idea why Amazon UK’s email took so long to arrive. I do live in Central Europe, but that shouldn’t make a difference, given that the original purchase was in the UK. And I do still have my original Amazon 3-pin UK charger.

Amazon UK’s email continues: “Please discontinue use of your original adapter. Until you receive a replacement adapter, use the included USB cable connected to a computer or another compatible adapter to charge your tablet. Whichever option you select, we will be sending you a pre-paid return envelope so that you can send back your original power adapter. Please contact Customer Service if your power adapter appears to be damaged.” And it ends, “power adapters shipped with Fire HD and Fire HDX tablets, and power adapters available in other countries, are not affected by this issue and do not need to be exchanged.”

For me, the credit option sounds like a good way to go. This also sounds like the Right Thing for Amazon UK to do. I just wonder why the email took so long to arrive. Fortunately, I haven’t been using that charger at all, so no danger of shocks here …

NO COMMENTS

The TeleRead community values your civil and thoughtful comments. We use a cache, so expect a delay. Problems? E-mail newteleread@gmail.com.