is my AC adapter broken?

[jealouse]

i have x24 and naturally the ac adapter is the one that came with x24.

everytime i plug in the ac adapter to wall ac outlet, i can see and hear quite loud spark between metal contacts. it's not like i'm plugging it really slowly to induce the spark. i'm not. no matter how fast i plug the thing to the wall, i can still hear and see the spark quite visually.

i have number of other gadgets that uses ac adapters(gameboy, external usb cd-rom comes to mind) and they never did make sparks like x24 does.

once it's plugged, it seems to work okay. but i'm afraid it will damage my notebook computer someday if left untreated.

is it normal? or should i be worried and contact IBM and get it replaced?

thanx for ur comment in advance.

[erik]

it sounds like the capacitor inside the a/c adapter has failed.

this capacitor stores electricity so that the power regulation circuit can convert a/c to d/c with much less fluxuation in voltage.   a working a/c adapter will have electricity stored inside for quite a while and should only "spark" only slightly after long periods of not being plugged in.   since yours sparks a lot, i know that the capacitor has completely failed.

this won't hurt your thinkpad but could eventually cause adapter failure.

go to the ibm maintenence parts retail exchange page and enter the FRU number of your adapter (found on the bottom of the adapter).   go through the ordering process and a new one will be sent to you via airborne express 2-day.   then, follow the enclosed instructions on how to send your old adapter back for credit.

i'm not sure how much the credit will be.   you can call 800.765.5944 and they should be able to specifically quote the exchange and/or place your order if you don't want to order online.

good luck!

-erik

[jealouse]

thank you so much!

i ordered new ac adapter from ibm and since my x24 is covered under warranty, they will send me one for free!

thank you again!

-jealouse