IBM recalls half a million Thinkpad notebook adaptors

THE OFFICE of the US Consumer Products Safety Commission said that IBM has recalled 225,000 AC power adaptors, manufactured by Taiwanese firm Delta Electronics.

IBM's own adaptor replacement web site says the real number is over half a million, worldwide. Big Blue said no personal injury incidents have been reported, and it voluntarily told the Consumer Safety Office about the problem. There have been reports of minor property damage, however.

The Consumer Safety Office said the adaptors can overheat, cause damage to the circuit board, and melt through the housing, causing an obvious fire and electric shock risk.

The recalled 56W AC adaptors shipped with the Thinkpad i series, 390 and 240 series, and a s series notebooks.

The adaptor types have three hollow pins at the AC inlet and part number 02K6549 on the top of the unit, along with the IBM logo.

The adaptors were sold with machines between January 1999 and August 2000, and also as separate accessories.

Consumers are advised to stop using the affected units immediately, and contact IBM at (800) 410 5629 for a free replacement between the hours of 08:00 to 20:00 Eastern Time for a free replacement.

There's also a replacement web site at this page, with a full description of the adaptors for identification. µ