Hewlett-Packard (HP) Notebook Power Cord Recall Issue Due To Fires, Burns

Over 6 million power cords used with Hewlett-Packard (HP) notebook computers have been recalled, following dozens of reports of problems with overheating, which may pose a potential risk of fires and burns.

The HP Notebook power cord recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on August 26, following at least 29 reports indicating the power cords overheated or charred, resulting in at least two burn injuries and 13 reports involving property damage.

The recall includes Hewlett-Packard’s (HP) LS-15 AC power cords, which were distributed with HP and Compaq notebook and mini notebook computers. The power cords were equipped with AC adapter-powered accessories including a docking station. The power cords are black in color and have the “LS-15” molded mark on the AC adapter end of the cord.

The cords were manufactured in China under Hewlett-Packard Company (HP), of Palo Alto, California where they were sold at computer and electronics stores, authorized dealers and online at www.hp.com worldwide from September 2010 through June 2012 for between $500 and $1,500.

An estimated 5,577,000 power cords were sold in the United States, with an additional 446,700 were distributed to Canada for sale.

In 2008, HP announced a recall of 70,000 lithium ion batteries after receiving similar reports involving notebooks catching fire and causing property damage. The lithium-ion batteries powered multiple models and series of computers, which was then expanded in May 2010 to include an additional 53,000 computers and once more in May of 2011 to include another 126,000 batteries.

The series of recalls for the lithium-ion batteries caused over 40 reports of the batteries overheating or catching fire including seven burn injuries and one smoke inhalation injury to consumers. The overheating batteries caused at least 36 reports of property damage, some of which caused mild to severe property damage.

During the series of HP lithium-ion battery recalls, a Massachusetts man filed a lawsuit against Hewlett-Packard as a result of damages and injuries caused by a recalled battery that overheated and lead to the man’s house burning down.

Customer should stop using the power cords immediately, unplug them from the wall outlets, and contact Hewlett Packard at 877-219-6676 or visit them online at www.hp.com and select the “Recalls” tab for information on how to order a free replacement power cord.