IBM recalls half a million computer adapters because of overheating risk

Thursday, September 2nd 2004, 1:16 pm

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ IBM Corp. is recalling some 553,000 notebook computer adapters sold worldwide because they can overheat and pose fire and shock hazards, the company and the government said Thursday.

IBM is not aware of any injuries caused by the 56-watt AC power adapters but has received at least six reports of overheating, which can damage the circuit board, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

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 United States with ThinkPad computers by electronics and computer stores, IBM's Web site, 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. Consumers in the United States and Canada can also call (800) 410-5629, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT.