Product recalls are not exactly rare and few in between, although it would always be a whole lot better if the products that were introduced to the masses were to function just fine without any issues in the first place, and hence, not needing a single recall. Unfortunately, this is a fallen world, and HP is now part of the recall spectre having announced a voluntary recall of over 6 million power cords that were shipped alongside HP as well as Compaq laptops between 2010 and 2012. The reason behind this recall? Overheating concerns, so if you happen to be the owner of such a laptop, it might be best to pay close attention on what to do next in the extended post.
HP has announced a worldwide voluntary recall of up to 6 million AC power cords, and these power cords were distributed alongside notebooks, mini notebooks, and some cases, even docking stations that were sold between September 2010 and June 2012. With the potential to overheat, such power cords would pose as a fire and burn hazard.
HP shared, “HP believes that certain power cords shipped with notebook PC products and AC adapter accessories may pose a risk of a fire and burn hazard to customers. We are taking this action as part of our commitment to provide the highest quality of service to our notebook customers.”
As long as your power cord is marked with the part number “LS-15”, and is moulded into the connector that plugs into the AC adapter, you should contact HP for a free replacement. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has since reported that HP had already received up to 29 reports of power cords concerning overheating, melting or charring, where there were two claims of minor burns and 13 claims of minor property damage.