Texas Instruments Providing Adapter For TI 99/4A Computer

Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Texas Instruments Incorporated said today that it is conducting a voluntary program of providing transformer adapters free of charge to correct a potential defect recently discovered in one model of the transformers supplied with the Texas Instruments 99/4A home computer. Over four hundred thousand transformer units are involved. The transformer is the small black box which plugs in between the computer and the electrical outlet. Consumers are instructed to plug in their adapter between the transformer and the wall outlet.

The company reported it had found by laboratory testing that there is a remote possibility that a failure of the transformer could result in certain metal parts of the computer console becoming electrified thus presenting a possible shock hazard. Neither the Consumer Product Safety Commission nor Texas Instruments has received any report of hazardous incident or injury from the hundreds of thousands of Texas Instruments home computers in use. The 99/4A model home computers have been sold in a variety of retail outlets over the past year at suggested retail prices of $450 and $375 with $100 rebate in effect since September 11, 1982.

All owners of the 99/4A known to the company through rebate cards or warranty cards will receive the adapters automatically by mail. The company asks owners who are not sure their names and addresses are in its files to call the Texas Instruments toll free numbers (800-858-4565 or 800-527-3550 ) (Texas only: 800-858-1802), and request that the adapter be sent to them.

Prior to receipt and installation of the adapter plug or cord, the company advises consumers to unplug and discontinue using computer if any sign of transformer overheating, unusual odor, or computer malfunction occurs.

Texas Instruments is also instituting a green "Safety Check" label for easy recognition by customers that the transformers in inventory at retail stores have been inspected and modified as necessary. A similar label will be placed on the transformer and its wrapper inside the box.

Consumers who desire further information or who have questions regarding the Texas Instruments 99/4A home computer may call CPSC's toll free hotline: 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.