The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·94011·Announced 1993-11-22

NEC PC-17-01 and PC-17-02 Laptop Batteries Recalled for Fire Risk

NEC Technologies is recalling PC-17-01 and PC-17-02 laptop batteries because they can explode and catch fire. Consumers should disconnect the AC adapter and call NEC for a free replacement.

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 risk of explosion and fire with seven reported incidents of smoke and/or fire, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or high-risk hazards where physical damage has occurred.

Plain-English summary

NEC Technologies Inc. is voluntarily recalling batteries in NEC PC-17-01 and PC-17-02 Laptop Computers. The batteries in these specific models can explode and catch fire. Approximately 13,000 of these laptop computers were sold in the United States and Canada from December 1988 to April 1990. Model numbers are located on the bottom of the computer. Only the portable PC-17-01 and PC-17-02 models are involved; no other NEC computers are affected.

NEC Technologies is aware of seven incidents of smoke and/or fire that occurred during battery recharging. Although there are no known injuries to date, the company and the CPSC view this as an important safety matter. NEC has developed a new battery using nickel-metal hydride technology to replace the defective units.

Consumers should turn on their computers with the AC adapter disconnected and allow the batteries to drain completely. Owners should then call NEC toll-free at 1-800-237-2913 to arrange for a free battery replacement. NEC is also offering a $100 reimbursement to consumers who participate in this recall program.

The recalled product

Product
NEC Technologies Inc. Recalls PC-17-01 And PC-17-02 Laptop Computer Batteries
Manufacturer
NEC Technologies
Category
Consumer Product — Laptop Computer Batteries
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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