HP recalls six million power cables in North America
Melting and charring, burns and damage, prompt Compaq and HP recall of cables
HP has been forced to recall HP and Compaq notebook AC power cables because of overheating and potential fire hazards.
The specific cable is HP's LS-15 AC power cord, which was distributed with HP and Compaq notebook and mini notebook computers and with AC adapter-powered accessories, including docking stations.
The CPSC told consumers to stop using the product unless otherwise instructed. The agency also warned that it is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
According to the CPSC, 5,577,000 units are in circulation in the US and 446,700 in Canada.
The recall comes after HP received 29 reports of power cords overheating and melting or charring.
There have been two claims of minor burns and 13 claims of minor property damage.
The Palo-Alto based firm will replace all verified power cords at no extra cost to consumers, it said on its website.
It also noted that not all HP and Compaq notebook and mini notebook PCs were sold with an affected power cord.
Customers have been asked to validate the power cord shipped with their notebook before sending it in for replacement.
Affected cords were sold between September 2010 and June 2012 via resellers and also on www.hp.com worldwide, the CPSC recall document said.
In a statement, HP apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers and said that customer safety was the firm's "top priority".