Aug 24 2006
Apple recalls of iBook and PowerBook batteries due to fire hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Apple, today announced a voluntary recall of batteries from iBook and PowerBook notebook computers that match the following descriptions:
- 12-inch iBook G4 battery (battery model number A1061) with a battery serial number falling within the ranges of ZZ338 through ZZ427, 3K429 through 3K611 or 6C510 through 6C626
- 12-inch PowerBook G4 battery (battery model number A1079) with a battery serial number falling within the ranges of ZZ411 through ZZ427 or 3K428 through 3K611
- 15-inch PowerBook G4 battery (battery model numbers A1078 and A1148) with a battery serial number falling within the ranges of 3K425 through 3K601, 6N530 through 6N551 or 6N601
If you have one of these batteries, contact Apple at (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday or log on to Apple’s Web site to check the battery’s serial number and request a replacement battery.
The recalled packs contain battery cells originally manufactured by Sony. A statement released by Sony regarding this recall reads,
Sony is committed to the safety of consumers and supports this recall by our customer Apple. At this time, Sony anticipates no further recalls of battery packs using these particular battery cells.The recall arises because, on rare occasions, microscopic metal particles in the recalled battery cells may come into contact with other parts of the battery cell, leading to a short circuit within the cell. Typically, a battery pack will simply power off when a cell short circuit occurs. However, under certain rare conditions, an internal short circuit may lead to cell overheating and potentially flames. The potential for this to occur can be affected by variations in the system configurations found in different notebook computers.
Sony has introduced a number of additional safeguards into its battery manufacturing process to address this condition and to provide a greater level of safety and security. We believe the issue has been addressed to the satisfaction of our customers.
Sony currently estimates that the overall cost to Sony in supporting the recall programs of Apple and Dell will amount to between 20 billion yen and 30 billion yen. This overall cost is an estimate based on the costs of replacement battery packs and any other related costs to be incurred by Sony.
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