(Best Syndication News) - HP along with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an expanded voluntary recall for an additional 162,600 lithium-ion batteries that were sold by itself or with a HP or Compaq branded laptop computers. The batteries involved with this recall can be a fire hazard. The recalled batteries should not be used because they could burn the user if they overheat and rupture. HP will be issuing replacement batteries for this recall. If you have previously checked your battery, the CPSC said that you should compare the updated recall list and check again to see if it has been recalled.

Since May 2010, HP had an additional 40 consumers reported that their laptop batteries had overheated and ruptured. There were seven people that had been burned from this and one had suffered from smoke inhalation. Out of these complaints, 36 had reported damage to property.

The notebook computer model number can be found on the bottom on the label. The battery had a barcode label. The laptops were sold between July 2007 and July 2008 ranging in prices of $500 and $3,000. There also were battery packs that were sold separately between $100 and $160. Take out the battery if it matches the recall and then contact HP to determine the next steps needed. Some batteries may not need to be replaced, but HP will determine this when the customer contacts them. In the meantime, do not use the laptop with the battery; use the AC power adapter instead.

Because this recall is an extension of previous ones, consumers that have checked their battery, need to check them again because it may be included in the new recall. Here is a complete list of all the batteries and laptops that are involved in this recall.

To contact HP consumers can visit www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement or call toll-free (888) 202-4320 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

By: N Wilson