HP recalls 162,000 batteries from Pavilion and Compaq ranges

HP has initiated a recall of 162,600 laptop batteries amid fears that they are unsafe to use.

The lithium-ion batteries in certain HP Pavilion, Compaq and HP Compaq models are affected. A full list of models is available on the HP web site.

Defective batteries may overheat and/or rupture, thus posing fire and burn hazards to consumers, according to HP's Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

"Since the May 2010 recall expansion, HP has received 40 additional reports of batteries that overheated and ruptured, resulting in seven burn injuries, one smoke inhalation injury, and 36 instances of property damage," the CPSC noted.

"Approximately five per cent of the notebook PC products manufactured from July 2007 to May 2008 and included in the programme contained battery packs that are affected. HP encourages you to validate all battery packs shipped with the notebook PC or purchased as options or spares."

:story: Full story: V3.co.uk