CPSC, Dell Announce Recall of Batteries for Notebook-Computers

Affected

The recalled batteries were sold with the following Dell notebook computers: Latitude CPiA, CPiR, CPtC, CPtS, CPtV, CPxH and CPxJ, and Inspiron 3700 and 3800. The batteries also were sold separately, including in response to service calls. The batteries insert into the front-left and/or front-right of the computer. "DELLTM" and "MADE IN JAPAN" are written on the batteries. The batteries' identification number is written on a white sticker. Consumers should have this number available when they contact Dell to determine if their battery is part of the recall.

The file

Sold at

Dell's web site and catalogs sold computers with these batteries, customer kits containing the batteries, and individual batteries, from June 2000 through mid-September 2000. The computers with these batteries were sold for between $1,500 and $3,000, and individual batteries were sold for between $100 and $170.

Product type

Adapter/Power Supply/Charger/Battery

Made in

Japan

Recalled by

Dell Computer Corp., of Round Rock, Texas

Incident log

Dell has received one report of a battery in a Dell computer short circuiting and catching fire. The incident resulted in minor property damage. No injuries were reported.

What the notice says to do

Consumers should contact Dell immediately to determine if their notebook computer battery is part of this recall.

To contact Dell, call toll-free at (877) 741-6420 anytime, or go to the firm's website at http://support.dell.com/battery/. Consumers also can write to: Dell Computer Corp., One Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas 78682.