The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·14262·Announced 2014-08-26

Hewlett-Packard Recalls Notebook Computer AC Power Cords Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Hewlett-Packard is recalling specific AC power cords for notebook computers because they can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard.

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 and burn hazard with reported minor burns and property damage, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating (score 4) due to significant injury/property-damage reports.

Plain-English summary

Hewlett-Packard Company is recalling approximately 5.6 million AC power cords for HP and Compaq notebook and mini notebook computers in the U.S. and Canada. The recall involves the LS-15 AC power cord, which is black and has an "LS-15" molded mark on the AC adapter end. These cords were distributed with computers and AC adapter-powered accessories such as docking stations.

The power cords can overheat, posing a potential fire and burn hazard. HP has received 29 reports of power cords overheating and melting or charring, resulting in two claims of minor burns and 13 claims of minor property damage. No deaths or serious injuries were reported.

The affected power cords were sold with notebook computers and accessories at computer and electronics stores, authorized dealers, and online at www.hp.com worldwide from September 2010 through June 2012. The computers and accessories were sold for about $500 to $1,500.

Customers should immediately stop using and unplug the recalled power cords and contact Hewlett-Packard to order a free replacement. Consumers can continue to use the computer on battery power. HP can be reached toll-free at (877) 219-6676 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or online at www.hp.com by selecting "Recalls" at the bottom of the page and then selecting Power Cord Recall.

The recalled product

Product
Hewlett-Packard and Compaq notebook computer AC power cords
Manufacturer
Hewlett-Packard Company (HP), of Palo Alto, Calif.
Category
Consumer Product — Computer Accessories
Hazard
Affected units
5,577,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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