Product Recall ETM627 David Peavy – Popkiller USB Chargers 11/30/ What: USB car charger adapters, power adapters and 8-pin charger cables Recall Date: July 17, 2014 [1] Why: Inadequate circuitry and incorrectly mount plug blades could shock consumers or create a fire. [1] Incidents: No incidents occurred. While not stated, it could be assumed the manufacturer of the adapters and cables issued the recall. Number of Units Sold: about 2500 ($ $6.50) [4]. When Sold: June 2013 to April 2014 [3]

Management Issues 2 Recognition of Problem: The severity with these and similar devices, just included melting the charger itself and not causing fire. The problem has remained an issue for some low cost USB adapters and cables. If incidents occur most companies are quick to recall the effected products, but inferior component can still cause issues with charging devices while not posing a safety concern. Speed of Response: The devices covered by this recall were not sold after April The recall notice went out in July [2] There have been issues for similar devices in the industry. [5] Responsibility: No articles found showed that Popkiller had issued a letter addressing responsibility. Since no incidents occurred and this was most likely a manufacturer initiated recall, an apology/remorse announcement would not be expected. ETM627 David Peavy – Popkiller USB Chargers 11/30/2014

Impact of Recall 3 Legal Consequences: Since the devices in question were most likely rebranded generic charger, I do not see Popkiller having to bear most of the consequence if something were to occur. Since so few were sold and no incidents have yet to occur, Popkiller will most likely not have to worry about any legal consequences from this issues. Reputation: These items were sold in small quantities and were most likely a re-label or generic USB adapters. The selling of these items was not a main focus of the store (as can be seen by the products offered on their website). The recall should therefore not effect the reputation of this establishment. [2] Sales: Popkiller has stopped selling the item in April No information is available if the devices were replaced with similar items. [1] ETM627 David Peavy – Popkiller USB Chargers 11/30/2014

Technical 4 Analysis comparing name brand USB chargers has been conducted on similar devices. As shown in Ken Shirrif’s breakdown of an Apple USB charger and a knockoff Chinese charger, corners can be cut the effect the device in many ways. [5] The device analyzed did not contain the same protection circuity as the Apple brand or have the same air gap protection for arc protection. These are both safety hazards that could cause shock or fire hazards. [5] In addition, the transformer used in the Chinese charger was not adequate enough to charge apple products at the rated current, which can cause issues with charging and batteries. [5] To create the cheapest product available, It seems some manufacturers will design devices that do not adequately protect against these types of issues. When buying a USB charger this should be taken into consideration. Cheap may not always be the best solution. ETM627 David Peavy – Popkiller USB Chargers 11/30/2014

References 5 [1] Consumer Product Safety Commision. (2014). Popkiller Recalls USB Chargers, Adapters and Cables Due to Fire and Electric Shock Hazards. Retrieved from and-Cables/. and-Cables/ [2] North Caroline Consumers Council. (2014). Popkiller Recalls USB Chargers, Adapters and Cables Due to Fire, Electric Shock Hazards. Retrieved from and-cables-due-to-fire-electric-shock-hazards.html. and-cables-due-to-fire-electric-shock-hazards.html [3] Recalls Direct(2010). Popkiller USB Charger & Adapter Recall [US]. Retrieved from recall-us/. recall-us/ [4]Wolf, Mary. (2014). Popkiller Recalls USB Chargers, Adapters and Cable - Fire Hazard. Retrieved from adapters-and-cable-fire-hazard/. adapters-and-cable-fire-hazard/ [5] Shirriff, Ken. (2014). iPad charger teardown: inside Apple's charger and a risky phony Retrieved from pricey.html. pricey.html ETM627 David Peavy – Popkiller USB Chargers 11/30/2014