Sony recalls Vaio power adapters

A Sony recall on 69,000 Vaio AC power adapters was recently announced, with the company warning owners of a possible shock hazard related to the faulty adapters manufactured in China.

“Sony has initiated a voluntary recall for certain AC power adapters which may short circuit and pose a potential electrical shock hazard,” a Sony press statement indicates.  The shock threat is due to insulation inside the adapter wearing out over time.

There have been four reports of short-circuiting adapters — no injuries reported, and the incidents occurred outside the United States. Sony is now attempting to ensure there are no injuries.

Specifically, Sony is recalling the VGP-AC19V17 AC adapter for notebook docking stations that were available after Sept. 2005.  The adapter in question was used for the VGC-LT, VGC-JS240, VGC-JS250, VGC-JS270, and VGC-JS290 series products sold after Sept. 2007.  It also can be found with VGP-PRBX1 and VGP-PRFE1 docking stations.

Sony said the adapters were shipped with products ranging in price from $900 up to $3,300, or $250 to $300 for the docking stations.

Anyone with an affected AC adapter is advised to unplug it and contact Sony for a new adapter.  The Japanese electronics company is pleading owners not to use the adapter again.  Anyone with an affected adapter should call the company at the following number:  (877)-361-4481.  Additional information can also be found at the following Sony support web site.