Dell recalls faulty batteries

PC giant Dell has recalled the batteries used in some of its notebook computers after a component in one of its customers' machines short-circuited and caught fire.

PC giant Dell has recalled the batteries used in some of its notebook computers after a component in one of its customers' machines short-circuited and caught fire.

The company, which is recalling about 27,000 batteries, said the component can short-circuit even when it is not in use "potentially causing [the machines] to become very hot, release smoke and possibly catch fire", a spokeswoman for the company admitted.

About 20 per cent of the recalled batteries are believed to be in Europe, and were included in two of Dell's notebook computer ranges which were shipped direct from 22 June to 4 October.

"There has been one incident reported and the chance of other batteries catching fire is remote," said the spokeswoman. "But we are taking proactive and voluntary action in recalling the batteries, as customers' safety is paramount."

Dell said it is contacting all customers who bought one or more of the notebook computers or batteries between the above dates. The spokeswoman said that a courier will collect the component, and that customers affected will receive two replacement batteries.