The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·05204·Announced 2005-06-22

Battery-Biz Recalls Hi-Capacity Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

Battery-Biz is recalling about 10,000 Hi-Capacity rechargeable notebook computer batteries because an internal short can cause overheating and fire. Consumers should stop using them immediately.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with six reported instances of batteries overheating and melting, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or high-risk hazards where physical damage has occurred.

Plain-English summary

Battery-Biz Inc. is recalling approximately 10,000 Hi-Capacity brand rechargeable lithium-ion batteries designed for various notebook computers. The recall was initiated because an internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Battery-Biz has received six reports of batteries overheating and melting.

The affected batteries were sold by various national and regional resellers, retail stores, and online stores from January 2004 through May 2005 for between $70 and $199. The specific part numbers, lot numbers, and date codes are listed on the main label of the battery. The batteries were manufactured in China, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Battery-Biz to arrange for a free replacement battery. After removing the recalled battery, consumers can continue to use their notebook computer with the AC power adapter until the replacement arrives. For more information, consumers can contact Battery-Biz at (800) 780-6552 or visit www.hi-capacity.com/exchange.

The recalled product

Product
Hi-Capacity® rechargeable notebook computer batteries
Manufacturer
Battery-Biz® Inc., of Newbury Park, Calif.
Category
Consumer Product — Electronics / Batteries
Hazard
Affected units
10,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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