A defective power cord is forcing Hewlett-Packard to recall more than 6 million devices across the United States and Canada after it saw reports of overheating and melting. The recall is part of HP's effort to maintain safety for its users and a joint statement with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission details the reasoning for the move.
The recall affects power cords sold between September 2010 and June 2012, the Palo Alto-based company said in informing customers of the issue at hand.
The LS-15 power cords are eligible for replacement after more than two dozen incidents had been reported due to the overheating and melting. Two claims of minor burns were reported, as well as another 13 claims of property damage.
"Hewlett-Packard customers affected by this program will be eligible to receive a replacement AC power cord for each verified, recalled AC power cord at no cost," Kelli Schlegel, a spokeswoman for Hewlett-Packard, said in a statement. "We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused."
This is not the first time HP has been hit with power and electrical issues. In November 2013, HP and partner Google stopped the sale of the Chromebook 11 after a number of reports surfacing that the computer was overheating.
The recall comes as HP continues its efforts to bolster its safety and security precautions for users. A recent Internet of Things report from the company revealed that many devices are not secure and are susceptible to third-party attacks, Tech Times reports.
The study also pointed to 10 common devices being used, highlighting smart thermostats, smart TVs and webcams. HP said each device has some 25 problems and vulnerabilities that could threaten the privacy and security of its users.
Now, HP is facing its own issues with the infrastructure of one of its devices. That could be a setback for the company as it aims to continue to develop low-end laptops for the general public.
Some analysts believe this could adversely affect the company's efforts to promote its devices as being the cheaper, yet fully capable, alternatives to higher-end devices on the market. Still, HP has seen how many companies are responding to recalls and hopes that its open and transparent manner in dealing with the problem at hand will be a boost in confidence.
