HP laptop batteries could pose a fire hazard

Affected batteries were shipped between March 2013 and August 2015, says HP

HP has announced that some of its laptops need to be recalled because of faulty batteries that could pose a fire hazard.

A statement on its website said: "The affected batteries were shipped with specific HP, Compaq, HP ProBook, HP Envy, Compaq Presario and HP Pavilion notebook computers sold worldwide from March 2013 through August 2015, and/or were sold as accessories or spares, or provided as replacements through support. These batteries have the potential to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to customers.

"Because these batteries pose a fire and burn hazard, it is extremely important for customers to check whether their batteries are affected, and to cease use of affected batteries immediately. Customers may continue to use their notebook computer without the battery installed by connecting the notebook to external power."

HP advises laptop owners to download a utility that will automatically check whether their device has one of the affected batches of batteries, and will advise on what to do next. However, in order to do this, users need to leave the battery in place until they have run the scan. There is an alternative validation mode available on the website.

HP issued the following statement: "Less than one per cent of all HP notebook computers sold during this timeframe contained an affected battery.

"HP will provide a replacement battery for each verified, affected battery at no cost. Customers should cease use of affected batteries. HP encourages customers to validate their batteries on the HP Battery Recall website."

Two years ago, the firm had to recall six million laptop power cables because they too posed a fire risk.