Computer Distributors Recall of Batteries for Notebook Computers

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2001
Release # 02-037

Battery Hotline: (877) 475-3425
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

CPSC, Computer Distributors Announce Recall of Batteries for Notebook Computers

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bizcom Electronics Inc., of Milpitas, Calif., Sceptre Technologies Inc., of City of Industry, Calif., and Systemax Inc. of Port Washington, N.Y., are voluntarily recalling about 13,000 batteries sold with notebook-style personal computers and individually. These batteries can overcharge during re-charging, causing them to overheat, smoke and possibly catch fire.

The firms have received two reports of minor property damage from the batteries overheating, smoking or catching fire in notebook computers sold to consumers. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled batteries were sold individually and with notebook computers under the following brand names and model numbers:

Brand:	Model Numbers:
ARM	TS30W2 and N38W2
ChemUSA	ChemBook 3015E
HyperData	MediaGo 2320
Jetta	Jetbook 9120
MPC	MPC Nomand 1500
PC-Club	ENP-325W2
Sceptre	Soundx 6600 and 6900
Systemax	SW-14, SW-15 and Ultra
TTX	9200

"RECHARGEABLE BATTERY" is printed on the top of the batteries. A label on the side of the recalled battery contains two sets of numbers. The first set must be "00." The second set must be either "99" or a number less than 52. Also, the letter "P" must be printed at the end of the first line on the label. "MADE IN JAPAN" also is written on the label.

The firms listed in the chart sold these notebook computers (and individual batteries) nationwide primarily by mail order and on their web sites from October 1999 through October 2001 for between $1,800 to $2,500.

Consumers should stop using these rechargeable batteries immediately and call (877) 475-3425 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's recall web site at www.regcen.com to order a free replacement battery.