We use them to give us more access to electricity, and to protect our precious electronics and gizmos...but that surge protector you're using could be a fire hazard.

Schneider Electric is recalling their APC 7 and 8 Series SurgeArrest product because they can apparently overheat in certain conditions, leading them to melt, and possibly start smoking...which can lead to a fire.

Several models of surge protector recalled
Several models of APC Surge Protectors, including this one, have been recalled because it's a potential fire hazard. (Amazon)
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The scary part? They were all manufactured and sold more than 10 years ago, and yet they are only being recalled now despite numerous reports of contact burns, smoke inhalation, and property damage.

The items were sold nationwide from January 1993 to December 2002 at Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, and other stores for between $13 and $50.

The recalled model numbers are:

7 Series model numbers
NET7
NET7T
NET7T-C
PER7
PER7C
PER7T
PER7T-CO
PER7T-U
PER7TX137
PER7-U
PER7X148
PRF7
PRF7T
PRO7
PRO7C
PRO7T
PRO7TX183

8 Series model numbers
NET8
NET8N
PER8T
PER8TR
PER8TR-CN
PER8TVR
PER8XTV
PRF8T2
PRF8TT
PRO8
PRO8T2
PRO8T2C
PRO8T2MP12
PRO8T2MP12B
PRO8TV

You'll find the model number on the bar code on the bottom of the protector.

surge protector bar code
Schneider Electric
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The first two NUMBERS of the serial number reflect the year of manufacture, with the recall including: 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01 or 02.

If you have one of these products in your home, you should immediately unplug it and stop using it. You can contact the company for a free replacement surge protector by phone at (888) 437-4007 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at http://recall.apc.com/en.

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