Power Adapters Sold with LectroFan Sound Machines Recalled by ASTI Due to Shock Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Amazon.com (Recall Alert)

What was recalled

In March of 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving power adapters that were bundled with LectroFan sound machines. This action was taken by ASTI, the company responsible for manufacturing and distributing these products. The core issue lies specifically with the power adapters themselves, rather than the sound-generating components of the device. If you own a LectroFan that relies on this specific type of wall plug to operate, it is important to understand exactly which units are affected so you can take the appropriate safety steps.

The recalled items are AC power adapters identified by the marking "ASTI AC Adapter" and the model number XHY050050UCC printed clearly on their sides. These adapters were sold exclusively through Amazon.com, meaning they were not distributed through other major retail chains or physical stores during this specific recall period. The LectroFan sound machines themselves come in two color variations: black or white. Crucially, the recalled power adapters matched these colors, coming in either black or white to coordinate with the machine’s casing.

To determine if your device is part of this recall, you need to look closely at both the adapter and the sound machine unit. The LectroFan machines feature a serial number printed on a label located on the bottom of the device. There are two specific ranges of serial numbers that indicate your product was included in this batch: between 3 551615 528640 and 3 551615 618639, or alternatively, between 3 551636 000010 and 3 551636 285179. You can also verify the product by checking the front of the machine, where "LectroFan" is printed, and noting that it offers ten fan sounds and ten white noise sounds.

ASTI initiated this recall because they had received reports indicating that the casing on these specific power adapters could break when plugged into an electrical outlet. This physical failure exposes the internal metal prongs, creating a serious electrical shock hazard. While no injuries were reported at the time of the announcement, the potential for harm was significant enough to warrant an immediate stop-sale and replacement program. The company contacted all purchasers directly to inform them of the defect and to provide instructions on how to obtain a free replacement adapter. If you purchased your LectroFan through Amazon during the relevant timeframe and possess one of the serial numbers listed above, your unit is part of this recall.

The hazard, explained

When we plug a device into the wall, we trust that the plastic casing surrounding the metal prongs is doing its job: keeping high-voltage electricity contained and away from our hands, our pets, and the rest of our home. In the case of these recalled LectroFan power adapters, that fundamental safety barrier has failed. The issue isn’t with the sound machine itself, but specifically with the external power brick that converts wall current into a safe voltage for the device. According to reports from ASTI, the casing on these adapters can break or pull apart when they are plugged into an electrical outlet.

To understand why this is dangerous, it helps to look at what happens inside. The metal prongs of the adapter are connected directly to the live electrical wires that carry the current from your home’s wiring. Under normal circumstances, the hard plastic shell acts as an insulator, preventing you from touching those energized parts. However, when the casing cracks or separates due to material fatigue or manufacturing defects, it exposes those metal prongs. This creates a direct pathway for electricity to travel from the outlet, through the exposed metal, and into anything that touches it—most concerningly, your fingers.

This is known as an electrical shock hazard. It is not merely a nuisance; it is a serious physical danger. When bare skin contacts an exposed live prong while also touching a grounded surface (like a floor, a metal appliance, or even just the air in humid conditions), the body can complete the circuit. This allows current to flow through your tissues, which can cause muscle contractions, burns at the point of contact, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmia or respiratory failure. While ASTI has received three reports of these adapters breaking apart, thankfully no injuries have been reported yet. But the potential for harm is real because the protective barrier is simply gone.

It is also worth noting that this hazard often presents subtly. The adapter may look fine on the outside until it is under the slight tension of being plugged in and out repeatedly. You might not see a crack immediately, but once the internal components shift enough to expose the prongs, the risk becomes immediate. This is why you cannot rely on your eyes alone to judge safety; if you have one of these specific models, you must assume the casing could fail at any moment until it is replaced.

General safety education tells us that electrical fires can also result from exposed wiring arcing against other surfaces. While the primary immediate danger here is shock to a person, the risk of igniting nearby curtains, bedding, or carpeting exists if the exposed prongs touch combustible materials while energized. This dual threat—personal injury and property damage—is why the CPSC and ASTI are urging an immediate stop to use.

Who is most at risk

While the primary audience for this recall is anyone who purchased a LectroFan sound machine exclusively through Amazon.com and received the specific ASTI AC Adapter, the nature of the product means that certain groups within households are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of a failure. The LectroFan is marketed as a sleep aid and white noise generator, designed to create a soothing environment for rest. Consequently, the people most at risk are not just the purchasers, but specifically infants, young children, and individuals with sleep sensitivities who rely on these devices for continuous, uninterrupted operation during nighttime hours.

Infants and toddlers represent the most critical demographic at risk in this scenario. These sound machines are often placed in nurseries or bedrooms where babies sleep for extended periods. A child’s room is typically a quiet environment, meaning that any electrical fault might not be immediately audible until it has progressed to a dangerous stage. More importantly, young children are curious and mobile; they may reach out to touch the power adapter or the unit itself. If the casing breaks and exposes metal prongs while the device is plugged in, a child’s delicate skin offers less resistance to electrical current than an adult’s, potentially leading to severe shock or burns even from contact that might only startle an adult. The fact that ASTI has received reports of adapters breaking or pulling apart highlights that this vulnerability is not just theoretical but has already manifested in physical defects.

Furthermore, individuals who use these devices for medical or therapeutic sleep purposes are also at heightened risk. For adults suffering from insomnia, anxiety, or sensory processing disorders, the LectroFan may be a nightly necessity. If the power adapter fails unexpectedly during the night, it not only poses an immediate shock hazard but also disrupts the critical rest cycle. While the recall remedy allows users to switch to a USB connection, this requires manual intervention in the middle of the night, which can be difficult for those with limited mobility or those who are already in a deep sleep state. The elderly or those with physical limitations might find it challenging to safely disconnect and reconnect devices if they experience dizziness or confusion upon waking.

It is important to note that while no injuries have been reported as of the recall date, the risk is latent. The hazard exists because the metal prongs are exposed when the casing breaks. This means anyone who owns a black or white LectroFan with the matching ASTI adapter and uses it in a bedroom setting—especially where children are present—is potentially at risk until they take action. The vulnerability is compounded by the fact that these devices are often used for long durations, increasing the window of opportunity for a defect to occur while someone is resting and less aware of their surroundings.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that your LectroFan sound machine is part of this recall, the good news is that you do not need to discard the entire unit or pay for a new device. The manufacturer, ASTI, has established a clear and straightforward remedy designed to resolve the safety issue without causing you any financial burden or inconvenience. Specifically, they are offering a free replacement power adapter to all affected consumers. This means your primary goal right now is simply to obtain that new, safe adapter so you can continue using your sound machine as intended.

The process for receiving this remedy is quite simple, though it requires you to take the first step by reaching out to the company. You have two convenient ways to contact ASTI directly regarding this recall. You can call their dedicated toll-free hotline at 866-220-7607. This line is staffed and ready to assist you Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. If you prefer to handle things digitally or if calling during those hours isn’t convenient for your schedule, you can visit their official website at www.asticorp.com. Once on the site, look toward the very bottom of the page and click on the link labeled "Product Recalls." From there, you will find the specific details and instructions for this recall alert.

It is important to note that ASTI is not relying solely on consumers to discover this issue. The firm has stated that they are actively contacting all purchasers of the recalled product directly. This means you may already be receiving communication from them via email or mail with specific instructions tailored to your purchase. If you hear from them, follow those directions carefully. However, if you do not receive contact from ASTI, or if you simply want to ensure your replacement adapter is on its way, proactively reaching out using the phone number or website mentioned above is the best course of action.

While you wait for your free replacement adapter to arrive in the mail, you are not left without options for using your LectroFan. The recall notice explicitly states that you can continue to use the sound machine safely by connecting it to a different power source. You have two viable alternatives during this interim period. First, you can use the USB cable that originally came with your LectroFan and plug it directly into a computer’s USB port. Second, you can use any other standard USB power adapter to charge the device. These methods bypass the recalled AC adapter entirely, allowing you to maintain your sleep or relaxation routine without interruption while you await the safe replacement part.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable to want to keep using your LectroFan sound machine once you have grown accustomed to its white noise or fan sounds. These devices often provide comfort and aid in sleep, so the idea of unplugging a familiar tool can feel inconvenient. However, continuing to use the recalled power adapter despite knowing about the defect is not merely an annoyance; it introduces a serious and immediate physical danger that cannot be ignored.

The core issue lies in the structural integrity of the adapter’s casing. The recall notice specifies that the plastic housing can break or pull apart when the device is plugged into a standard electrical outlet. When this casing fails, it exposes the internal metal prongs that are designed to be hidden away for safety. These prongs carry live electrical current. If they are exposed, they are no longer insulated from the outside world, turning the plug itself into an active electrical source.

The most direct consequence of ignoring this hazard is the risk of severe electrical shock. If you touch the exposed metal prongs while plugging in or unplugging the adapter, especially if your hands are damp from a bathroom setting or if you are standing on a conductive surface, electricity can flow through your body. Electrical shocks range from painful muscle contractions to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias depending on the current’s path and intensity. Furthermore, because the casing is breaking during normal use, there is a significant risk that the adapter could detach partially from the wall outlet while still connected to the sound machine. This creates an unstable connection that can spark or arc, potentially causing burns to your skin or igniting nearby flammable materials like curtains, bedding, or carpeting.

We must also look at what has already occurred in the real world. ASTI has received three specific reports of these power adapters breaking or pulling apart, successfully exposing the metal prongs. While it is a relief that no injuries have been reported so far, this silence does not mean the risk is absent; it simply means that bad luck has not yet struck those specific households. An exposed live wire is a waiting accident. The fact that three separate units have failed indicates a systemic manufacturing flaw, not an isolated incident. Ignoring this pattern suggests a false sense of security.

Additionally, there is the risk of damage to your LectroFan unit itself. A broken adapter may deliver erratic voltage or power surges to the sound machine’s internal electronics. This could permanently ruin the device you are trying to protect, leading to costly repairs or replacement that would have been unnecessary had you simply accepted the free remedy offered by the manufacturer.

In short, the inconvenience of swapping out a plug is negligible compared to the potential for severe injury or home fire. The hazard is active and physical, not theoretical. By continuing to use the defective adapter, you are essentially holding a live electrical component in your hands every time you interact with it. The safe path is clear: stop using that specific power adapter immediately and utilize the free replacement provided by ASTI, or switch to the safer USB connection method described in the recall instructions.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a defect in the LectroFan power adapters, the underlying issue—electrical shock from compromised power supplies—is a common hazard that extends far beyond sound machines. Power adapters are often overlooked components of our daily routine because they work silently and consistently until they fail. However, they are critical interfaces between your home’s high-voltage electrical system and sensitive electronics. To maintain safety across all your devices, it is essential to understand how to handle these components properly and recognize when they are no longer safe.

First, always ensure that power adapters remain dry and free from physical damage. Moisture is a primary conductor of electricity, so never use a power brick near sinks, bathtubs, or open windows where rain might enter. Additionally, avoid yanking the cord to disconnect the device; instead, grip the plug head itself. Pulling on the wire can damage the internal insulation over time, leading to exposed wires that pose a shock risk or even a fire hazard if they short-circuit against other objects.

It is also wise to periodically inspect the casing of your power bricks. Look for cracks, discoloration, or a burning smell, which are early warning signs that the internal components have overheated or degraded. If the plastic feels unusually hot to the touch during normal operation, unplug it immediately and allow it to cool. Using adapters that are not certified by a recognized laboratory (such as UL, ETL, or CSA) can increase this risk, as these certifications ensure the device meets strict safety standards for insulation and heat resistance.

Finally, stay proactive about product safety by registering your purchases and signing up for recall alerts. Many manufacturers encourage registration so they can notify you directly if a defect is discovered in future batches. You can also monitor official government sources like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or sign up for their email alerts. This simple habit ensures that if a hazard arises with any product in your home, you are among the first to know and can take action before an accident occurs.

• Always grip the plug head when unplugging devices to protect the internal wiring.
• Keep power adapters away from water sources and ensure they have adequate ventilation.
• Check for certification marks (like UL or ETL) on any new adapter you purchase.
• Register products upon purchase to receive direct manufacturer notifications about safety issues.