International Business Machines Corp. (IBM, Armonk, NY) reported that it is recalling some 553,000 notebook computer adapters sold worldwide because they can overheat and pose fire and shock hazards. IBM is not aware of any injuries caused by the 56 W ac power adapters, but has received at least six reports of overheating, which can damage the circuit board, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Most of the adapters accompanied IBM ThinkPad i Series, 390 and 240 Series, and s Series notebooks. The rectangular product has three hollow pins on one end that connect to a cord, and the IBM logo and the number 02K6549 appear on the label. The recall includes about 225,000 adapters sold across the US with ThinkPad computers by electronics and computer stores, IBM's website, mail-order catalogues, phone orders, and resellers from January 1999 to August 2000. The product was also sold separately for about $55. IBM said other adapters were shipped in the same months to Asian Pacific countries, excluding Japan.
Consumers are advised to unplug the adapters and visit http://www.adapterprogram.com for information on free replacements.
