If you have the iPhone plug on the left,
you should exchange it ASAP!
Apple has just announced an "exchange program" for the new power plugs that come with iPhone 3Gs. No, not the cord that plugs into your iPhone, but the little power adapter thing that you can plug into the wall. As it turns out, the metal prongs on these new plugs have a tendency to break off and stay inside your power outlets, which can not only be obnoxious, but also dangerous.
"Apple has determined that under certain conditions the new ultracompact Apple USB power adapter's metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating a risk of electric shock," Apple's website reads. "We have received reports of detached blades involving a very small percentage of the adapters sold, but no injuries have been reported."
Not only were these sold with every iPhone 3G in the US, but they were also sold in Japan, Canada, Mexico, and several other Latin American countries. The power supplies that came with original iPhones are not affected, of course. Apple says that, if you own one of these new power adapters, you should immediately stop using it and exchange it for a redesigned version.
How do you exchange it? We'll tell you! The new adapters will be available on October 10 (wow, way to hit the accelerator on that one, Apple), and you can either order a replacement through the web or by taking your old one to an Apple retail store. You will have to turn over your old adapter as part of the exchange process, but hopefully you weren't interested in setting your house on fire anyway. Latin America will apparently have its own exchange program announced shortly.
While I can't say I have heard of this happening from anyone I know, I'm at least glad that Apple has decided to nip the problem in the bud. Too bad everyone will have to wait (at least) three frickin' weeks to get a replacement.
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