Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) has recalledthenew ultracompact universal serial bus (USB) adapter plugthatshipped with millions of iPhone 3G handsets. Theplugs, according to the device maker, can snap off so that theblades remain inside an electrical outlet, creating a risk ofelectric shock.

Noinjurieshave been reported, Apple noted, but the companyhasinstituted anew adapter exchange program to get strongerplugsinto the hands ofits customers.

The ultracompact USB adaptersareessentially a small white cube with two prongs and a USBport.Apple hasn't detailed the exact conditions under which theprongsmight detach, and the company didn't respond to inquiresfromMacNewsWorld for more detail.

"Customer safety is always Apple'stoppriority,and therefore we have voluntarily decided toexchangeeveryultracompact power adapter for a new, redesignedadapter, freeofcharge," read a note on Apple's Web site thatdetailsthe exchange program.

The affected adapters were suppliedwithiPhone3Gs sold in the U.S., Japan, Canada, Mexico and ahandfulofcountries in Latin America. The USB adapter has also beensold asastandalone accessory.

The New Adapter

The new adapter looks similar to theoldadapter.The blades on the old adapter are almost square attheends, whilethe new adapter's blades taper slightly.Moreobviously, the newadapters have a single green dot on thebottom.

Apple said replacement adapters willbeavailablestarting Friday, Oct. 10. To get a new adapter,customerscan orderthem via Apple's adapter replacementprogram Website.Alternately, customers can exchange theadapters at AppleRetailStores starting Oct. 10.

Apple says it also needs to collectitscustomers'iPhone 3G serial numbers as part of thereplacementprocess.

Recharge How?

Apple recommends that iPhone 3Gcustomersstopusing their ultracompact adapters immediately andinsteadchargetheir iPhone's via a USB port on a Mac or PC.

Meanwhile, what's the real danger? Canabrokenprong easily result in a shock?

"I've never heard of it happening, but yes,iftheprongs break off in the outlet, and you can physicallytouchthebroken-off tip of one of the prongs, then yes, thatcertainlyhas thebeginnings of a serious electric shock," LawrenceKamm, aconsultantand licensed electrical engineer, toldMacNewsWorld.

"Now I have to tell you that in order togetashock you have to touch two things, because current hastoflowthrough the body from one place to another, not justtouchingawire. However, you may very well, under thesecircumstances,betouching ground through your feet or another handor somethinglikethat," Kamm explained. "In that case, the brokenoff tip isadangerous thing," he noted.