The Associated Press February 23, 1983, Wednesday, PM cycle TI Reports Problem With Computer Transformer Adapter Cord SECTION: Domestic News LENGTH: 316 words DATELINE: DALLAS Owners of Texas Instruments' popular 99-4A personal computer have been advised to contact the company about fixing a transformer that could pose an electrical hazard. The company said Tuesday it was discussing with the Consumer Products Safety Commission the distribution of a transformer adapter cord that would protect users from possible dangers of electric shock from the machines. TI spokesman Norman Neureiter said laboratory tests on the machine's AC9500 transformer identified a defect that creates the remote possibility the transformer could overheat and allow an electrical leak into the computer that could shock the operator or damage the machine. "There has been no reported incident of this kind in the field, none," said Neureiter. "But we've been able to duplicate that kind of condition in the laboratory, and we feel an obligation to correct it because it's an extremely popular computer," he said, adding that the company alerted the safety agency in Washington about the potential danger. He said because of the remote possibility the company is planning to send the transformer adapter cord to all owners. The 99-4A computer has been on the market for a year, he said, but most of the sales have been since October. Neureiter said that everyone who owns the TI 99-4A computer should call the manufacturer and give an address to which a special adaptor can be mailed. The adaptor will correct the problem, Neureiter said. He said that the AC9500 transformer, a small black box connected between the wall outlet and the computer, is purchased by TI from an outside supplier and sold with the computer. Neureiter said he had no details on the vendor of the transformer. Owners of TI 99-4A computers will be located from rebate and warranty cards, the company said. People who did not send in cards can get an adapter by calling a toll-free telephone number.