The Office of Technology Services was notified Tuesday that Dell has voluntarily recalled Dell Inspiron 5000 laptop batteries. The recalled batteries can overcharge, causing them to become very hot, release smoke and possibly catch fire.
The recalled batteries were sold from January 2000 through March 2001 with and separately for Dell Inspiron 5000 and 5000e notebook computer systems only. Please note that most laptops purchased through university funds are Dell Latitudes, which are NOT affected by this recall.
Details from a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission press release follow. The information will help you to determine if you own one of the recalled adapters and what steps to follow if you do.
Product: The recalled batteries were sold from January 2000 through March 2001 with and separately for Dell Inspiron 5000 and 5000e notebook computer systems only. The computers with these batteries were sold for between $2,100 and $3,100, and individual batteries were sold for between $100 and $130.
Units: About 284,000
Description: The words, “DELL,” “MADE IN JAPAN” and “Inspiron 5000 Battery Module” are printed on the top of the batteries. An identification number is written on a colored sticker at the rear of the battery. Those batteries that have colored stickers containing either the number “99” or the series “00 51” or less, and the letter “P” in the first line, are being recalled.
Incidents/Injuries: Dell has received one report of a battery overcharging, resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy: Consumers with these batteries should stop using them immediately and call Dell toll-free at (877) 237-3355 or go to Dell’s Web site at {http://www.dell.com} to order a free replacement battery. Consumers can also write to Dell at:
Dell Computer Corporation, RR2E, MSC #8222
One Dell Way
Round Rock, TX 78682
To view a picture of the recalled battery, visit OTS’ Web site at {http://wwwnew.towson.edu/adminfinance/ots/helpcenter/dellbatteryrecall.asp}.
