Dell and CPSC issue a recall of 35,000 faulty batteries

Dell and CPSC issue a recall of 35,000 faulty batteries

Dell and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) together issued a recall of about 35,000 notebook batteries worldwide as these could overheat and pose a fire hazard.

Though three incidents of overheating batteries have been reported, they have caused "minor damage to personal effects" and no injuries have been reported so far. Of the total batteries recalled, 22,000 laptop batteries were sold in the US and the remaining 13,000 were sold overseas.

The laptop models which have been recalled include various models of Inspirons (510M, 600M, 6000, 8600, 9200, 9300, and XPS Gen 2 units), Latitudes (D410, D505, D510, D600, D610, D800, and D810 models) and Precision notebooks (M20 and M70 models). These were said to have been sold between October 5, 2004 and October 13, 2005. These batteries were sold also separately and provided as replacements during servicing.

Dell has stated that the laptop batteries recalled have had a 'manufacturing defect' and were said to be with the labels of either "Made in China" or "Made in Japan". Dell said that they were working closely with the US Consumer Product Safety Commissions and recalling these batteries after they received adverse reports from consumers.

Customers should contact Dell with the identification number that is stamped on the back of the battery through phone or the company's website, the company sources said.

Dell has said that the affected batteries will be replaced free of cost.

In addition, some images of the recalled batteries for posted on the website of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to help Dell customers identify if their batteries have been affected or not.

Dell reportedly had similar problems a year back, when they recalled power cords of several laptop models.