Dell Inc, the world's largest seller of personal computers, recalled 4.4 million notebook computer power adapters because they may catch fire.
Customers should stop using the AC adapter provided with certain Dell Latitude, Precision and Inspiron laptops from 1998 to 2002, Dell said in a statement on its Web site. The adapters were made by Delta Electronics Inc (台達電子) of Taipei, which also manufactured 225,000 power adapters recalled by IBM on Sept. 2.
Delta Electronics is the world's biggest maker of computer power-supply systems.
In the US, the voluntary recall covers 990,000 laptops sold to consumers, Dell spokesman Thomas Kehoe said. Dell has received seven reports of the adapters overheating and no injuries were reported, according to a statement from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Consumers should contact Dell for a free replacement adapter, Dell said.
The recall won't affect Dell's earnings, Kehoe said. He declined to discuss specifics of which company will pay for the recall.
Shares of Round Rock, Texas-based Dell fell US$0.21 to US$36.01 at 4pm in NASDAQ Stock Market composite trading.
The US company's shares have gained 6 percent this year.
Dell in 2001 recalled 284,000 Panasonic-brand batteries for Inspiron 5000 notebook computers because they may overcharge and catch fire.
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