HP Recall – 6 Million Power Cords Recalled Due to Fire Risk

HP has issued a recall of certain power cords because they can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard.

Hewlett-Packard Company has announced a recall of the company’s LS-15 AC Power Cord after receiving reports of injury and property damage related to the product overheating. The recall affects 5,577,000 power cords sold in the U.S. and 446,700 in Canada. HP will replace the defective power cord for free.

HP packaged the LS-15 AC Power Cord with HP and Compaq notebook and mini-notebook computers sold through computer and electronics stores, online retailers and www.hp.com between September 2010 and June 2012. HP also sold this power cord with AC powered accessories such as docking stations.

HP is not recalling the computers or accessories, only the power cords.

According to a release by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), HP reported the company received 29 complaints of the LS-15 Power Cord overheating and melting or charring, including two instances that resulted in minor burn injuries and 13 claims of property damage.

“HP believes that certain power cords shipped with notebook PC products and AC adapter accessories may pose a risk of a fire and burn hazard to customers,” the company said in a statement. “We are taking this action as part of our commitment to provide the highest quality of service to our notebook customers.”

The recalled LS-15 AC Power Cord is black in color. Consumers can determine if their power cord may be recalled by locating an “LS-15” molded in the surface material on the AC adapter end of the power cord. HP states that not all power cords with the “LS-15” molded mark are affected by the recall. The company has set up the HP Power Cord Recall and Replacement Program website where consumers can submit information from the computer and power cord to validate their claim for a free replacement cord.

HP advises consumers with a recalled power cord to immediately unplug the cord and stop using it. They can continue to use the computer on battery power. After consumers validate their power cord is affected and submit a claim, HP says they can expect to receive the free replacement power cord in 3-5 business days, or up to 10 days in some locations. However, those who use their computer for business or other application requiring performance longer than a single battery charge may find this unrealistic.

For more information about the HP Power Cord Recall, visit www.hp.com/support/PowerCordReplacement or contact Hewlett-Packard at (877) 219-6676.