AC adapters used with certain IBM notebook computers and mobile devices
CPSC Recall #00-110 — May 17, 2000
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 00-110 |
| Recall Date | May 17, 2000 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 220,000 |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Electronic and computer stores nationwide |
| and the IBM website and other online retailers sold these AC adapters with mobile devices from May 1997 through November 1999. They also were sold separately for about $50. |
Product
AC adapters used with certain IBM notebook computers and mobile devices
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation, of Armonk, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 220,000 AC adapters that are used with certain models of IBM notebook computers and other mobile devices. These AC adapters can overheat, posing a fire hazard. IBM has received nine reports of the AC adapters overheating, including one report of fire causing minor damage. There have been no reports of injuries. The recall includes AC adapters used only with IBM ThinkPad 310 (type 2600 only) and IBM ThinkPad i Series (type 2611 only) notebook computers, and IBM WorkPad z50 (type 2608 only) companion devices. The AC adapter is a small rectangular black plastic box that, on one end, has a permanently attached wire that connects to the computer, and on the other end has a detachable cord that plugs into an AC outlet. It is approximately 2.5 inches long by 4.5 inches wide by 1.25 inches high. The label reads in part, "AC Adapter," "Made in China" and "Delta Electronics (Dougguan) Co., Ltd." It has a FRU p/n number of 12J0537, 12J0539 or 02K6562. Electronic and computer stores nationwide, and the IBM website and other online retailers sold these AC adapters with mobile devices from May 1997 through November 1999. They also were sold separately for about $50. Consumers should contact IBM to receive a free replacement AC adapter. Consumers also will receive a 15 percent discount coupon for Options by IBM merchandise when the recalled AC adapter is returned. For more information, contact IBM at (800) 426-7378 anytime, or go to the firm's website at www.ibm.com/adapterrecall. No other IBM AC adapters are part of this recall.
Hazard
These AC adapters can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
IBM has received nine reports of the AC adapters overheating, including one report of fire causing minor damage. There have been no reports of injuries.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should contact IBM to receive a free replacement AC adapter. Consumers also will receive a 15 percent discount coupon for Options by IBM merchandise when the recalled AC adapter is returned.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.