Fire risk forces HP notebook battery recall

HP is recalling some battery backs due to a fire risk.

The recall affects certain HP, Compaq, ProBook, Envy and Pavillion notebooks, though ACCC noted not all battery packs were affected.

The battery packs have the potential to overheat, which could lead to fires or burning, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The first characters of affected battery packs are 6CGFQ, 6DEMA, 6CGFK, 6EBVA, 6CZMB, 6DEMH, 6BZLU or 6DGAL, though HP will verify the complete number to see if the unit is affected.

The battery packs were sold nationally at computer retailers from 1 March 2013 to 30 August 2015.

ACCC said customers should validate whether their battery is affected, and if so, cease using the battery immediately.

HP issued a statement on its website and has provided a utility for customers to check if their battery packs are affected.

“Because these batteries pose a fire and burn hazard, it is extremely important for customers to check whether their batteries are affected, and to cease use of affected batteries immediately. Customers may continue to use their notebook computer without the battery installed, by connecting the notebook to external power,” HP said on its website.

“HP’s primary concern is for the safety of our customers. HP is proactively notifying customers, and will provide a replacement battery for each verified, eligible battery, at no cost. For customers with 10 or more potentially affected batteries, HP has put in place a process to assist with the validation and ordering process. For details please refer to the FAQs tab on this website.”

The consumer watchdog has already flagged five battery recalls this year. Microsoft started a mass recall of its Surface power cords in January, while Toshiba, Panasonic and Sony were also pinned for hazardous batteries.