HP recalls more than six million power cords

It is the second time in under a year that HP has addressed a computer-related fire risk

HP has ordered a worldwide recall of power cords that had been sold with its laptop computers and other accessories, including docking stations.

The callback affects products sold between September 2010 and June 2012.

The US Consumer Safety Commission (CPSC) said more than six million of the affected cables had been sold in the US and Canada alone.

It follows reports that people had been injured as a result of the China-made kit burning users.

The announcement comes nine months after a separate issue forced the company to pull its Chromebook laptops from sale after reports that their chargers had been overheating.

Minor burns

The latest case involves power cords marked with LS-15 on their sides that were sold alongside HP and Compaq "notebook" and "mini notebook" PCs as well as other hardware.

"HP 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," said a message on the firm's site.

HP laptop owners should check if the code LS-15 is marked on the cord's side

A CPSC webpage adds details of previous incidents: "HP has received 29 reports of power cords overheating and melting or charring resulting in two claims of minor burns and 13 claims of minor property damage."

HP is not the only computer-maker to have been involved in such action over recent months:

• In July, Sony asked for about 700 Vaio Flip PCs fitted with Panasonic-made batteries to be sent back. It had earlier recalled thousands of models using the same non-removable component in Europe and Asia following reports of units smoking and melting

• In June, Apple urged owners of a USB iPhone charger adapter to exchange the item after saying it posed a safety risk

• In May, Panasonic requested more than 43,000 laptop battery packs sold with its own brand of laptops be returned after some overheated and caught fire

• In March, Lenovo recalled more than 37,000 Thinkpad notebook computer battery packs after reports that they posed a fire risk