Fire Risk Prompts Recall of Tesla Motors Charging Adapter

By Chris Chase

Dec 16, 2016

Summary

Defect could cause overheating and fire

Tesla is recalling three electrical plug adapters sold as accessories with its Model S sedan due to a risk of overheating and fire.

Transport Canada says a manufacturing defect in the adapters (specifically the NEMA 10-30, NEMA 14-30 and NEMA 6-50) could cause increased electrical resistance, generating excess heat that may lead to a fire.

The adapters, which sell for $100 (U.S.) through the Tesla Motors website, are designed to allow owners to plug their cars into a variety of different types of electrical outlets; in the case of the three adapters being recalled, those outlets are typically used for clothes dryers and electric welding equipment.

Owners of the 280 affected adapters will receive a redesigned replacement by mail.

Meet the Author

As a child, Chris spent most of his time playing with toy cars in his parents’ basement or making car sounds while riding his bicycle. Now he's an award-winning Algonquin College Journalism grad who has been playing with real cars that make their own noises since the early 2000s.