The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·00110·Announced 2000-05-18

IBM Recalls AC Adapters for Specific Notebook Computers and Mobile Devices

IBM is recalling approximately 220,000 AC adapters for specific ThinkPad and WorkPad models because they can overheat and pose a fire hazard.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with one reported instance of fire causing minor damage, but no injuries have been reported, fitting the criteria for a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

International Business Machines (IBM) is recalling AC adapters used with specific IBM ThinkPad 310, ThinkPad i Series, and WorkPad z50 devices. The recall affects approximately 220,000 units sold nationwide and online from May 1997 through November 1999. The adapters are small, black, rectangular boxes with a permanently attached wire and a detachable AC cord. Affected units have FRU part numbers 12J0537, 12J0539, or 02K6562 and are labeled "Made in China" and "Delta Electronics (Dougguan) Co., Ltd."

The recall is being conducted because the AC adapters can overheat, posing a fire hazard. IBM has received nine reports of the adapters overheating, including one report of a fire that caused minor damage. There have been no reports of injuries.

Consumers should contact IBM to receive a free replacement AC adapter. Those who return the recalled adapter will also receive a 15 percent discount coupon for Options by IBM merchandise. For more information, consumers can contact IBM at (800) 426-7378 or visit www.ibm.com/adapterrecall.

The recalled product

Product
AC adapters used with certain IBM notebook computers and mobile devices
Manufacturer
International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation, of Armonk, N.Y.
Category
Consumer Product — Computer Accessories
Hazard
Affected units
220,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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