CPSC recall 03-097, announced March 20, 2003, covers Comarco Detachable plugs on Targus power adapters (about 125,000 units). The plug can break open and expose live wires, posing an electrocution or electric shock hazard to consumers. The notice cites 12 incident reports. Consumers should stop using the AC plugs immediately and contact Comarco to obtain a free replacement plug. Recall contact: call (949) 599-7400, or go to www.regcen.com/comarco.
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Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
Affected model numbers
The black adapters have a model name of "Targus" and model number of PA-AC- 70W-2, which can be found on a label on the back of the adapter.
Which products are included?
The recalled AC plugs, which were sold with 70-watt AC power adapters, have the word "ChargeSource" printed on top of the plug. The black adapters have a model name of "Targus" and model number of PA-AC- 70W-2, which can be found on a label on the back of the adapter. The name "Targus" also appears in white letters on the front of the adapter.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Model numbers
- One listed. Yours must match it exactly.
- Where to look
a label on the back of the adapter
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- July 2002 through March 2003
- Price paid
- $90 to $120
Why it was recalled
The plug can break open and expose live wires, posing an electrocution or electric shock hazard to consumers.
Incidents and injuries
Comarco has received 12 reports of the plugs breaking open, though no injuries have been reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should stop using the AC plugs immediately and contact Comarco to obtain a free replacement plug.
What to do now
- Check the label. Compare your model number with the one listed in this recall.
- Stop using it. The notice says to stop using recalled units immediately.
- Contact the firm. Call (949) 599-7400, or go to www.regcen.com/comarco.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
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Product and sales details
- Brand
- Comarco
- Manufacturer
- Comarco Inc., of Irvine, Calif.
- Product type
- Battery chargers
- Recall number
- 03-097
- Units
- About 125,000
- Manufactured in
- United States
- Sold at / sales period
- Major retail stores nationwide sold the adapters, between July 2002 and March 2003, for between $90 and $120.
Detachable plugs on Targus power adapters
CPSC product type: Adapter/Power Supply/Charger/Battery
This recall in context
Compared with the 124 battery charger recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 125,000 units: the 30th-largest of 114 battery charger recalls that state a unit count. The median is 27,400 units.
- Hazard
- Electric shock: named in 29 of 124 battery charger recalls.
- Brand history
- Comarco is named in 2 CPSC notices in this index, from 2003 to 2010. This recall is the earliest. 2 of them are battery charger recalls.
- Time on sale
- 9 months. Recalled the same month the notice says sales ended.
Recall contact information
Consumers should contact Comarco collect at (949) 599-7400 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or log on to the company's website at www.regcen.com/comarco
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
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