Hewlett-Packard Co. is recalling about 15,700 HP and Compaq notebook computer batteries worldwide for a burn and fire/explosion hazard. These batteries may be highly dangerous, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday.
HP has received 20 reports of batteries overheating, including two in the United States, with one report of a minor burn injury, the agency said.
The recall is for lithium ion rechargeable batteries manufactured in early January 2005 and used with various HP and Compaq notebook computers. The affected batteries have a bar code label starting with L3, the agency said.
About 4,100 of the recalled batteries covered were in the United States.
The batteries were manufactured in China, and the computers were sold in the United States at retail and online stores from January 2005 through December 2005 for between $1,000 and $3,000, the CPSC said. Battery packs were also sold separately for between $100 and $300.
The computers that may contain a recalled battery include the model series: dv1xxx and ze2xxx in the HP Pavilion Family, nx48xx in the HP Compaq Family, and V2xxx and M2xxx in the Compaq Presario Family, according to the CPSC. Some of these computers have been damaged due to the faulty "L3" battery.
The agency said consumers with an "L3" coded battery should stop using it _immediately_ and contact HP to determine if the battery is being recalled and for a free replacement battery if it is included in the recall.
Consumers can get additional information by calling HP at
888-202-4320, or visiting the HP Battery Replacement Program Web site atCopyright 2006 Reuters Limited.
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