CPSC, Dell Announce Recall of Batteries for Notebook-Computers
Fire
The hazard
These batteries can short circuit, even when the battery is not in use, causing them to become very hot, release smoke and possibly catch fire.
Incidents reported: Dell has received one report of a battery in a Dell computer short circuiting and catching fire. The incident resulted in minor property damage. No injuries were reported.
What to do now
Consumers should contact Dell immediately to determine if their notebook computer battery is part of this recall.
Contact: To contact Dell, call toll-free at (877) 741-6420 anytime, or go to the firm's website at http://support.dell.com/battery/. Consumers also can write to: Dell Computer Corp., One Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas 78682.
About this recall
The recalled batteries were sold with the following Dell notebook computers: Latitude CPiA, CPiR, CPtC, CPtS, CPtV, CPxH and CPxJ, and Inspiron 3700 and 3800. The batteries also were sold separately, including in response to service calls. The batteries insert into the front-left and/or front-right of the computer. "DELLTM" and "MADE IN JAPAN" are written on the batteries. The batteries' identification number is written on a white sticker. Consumers should have this number available when they contact Dell to determine if their battery is part of the recall.