Numerous laptop fires have industry experts and computer manufacturers concerned. Exploding laptops have occurred due to faulty or overheated batteries and according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, upwards of 43 laptop fires have been reported in the U.S. since 2001. Several incidents reported that heat from a laptop melted and burned the carpet it was lying on.
In response, laptop companies recalled more than 150,000 batteries since Jan. 1, 2005, including 15,700 by Hewlett Packard recalled in one month alone. As well, Dell recalled 22,000 batteries in December and Apple retrieved approximately 120,000 batteries in 2005. But the recalls may be the equivalent of putting a bandage on a bullet wound: In June, 2006, a reporter at [The Inquirer] actually photographed a laptop on fire at a conference in Japan. Apparently the laptop caught fire and produced several "explosions." The laptop was a Dell machine.
One laptop manufacturer cites defective notebook batteries as the culprit, but there may be more involved than the batteries. According to one research analyst, a burning laptop could happen anywhere, anytime, particularly as they become faster and acquire more features such as DVD players, which makes the batteries work harder. Adding more fuel to the potential fire hazard is the fact that laptops are getting slimmer with less room for ventilation.
Generally, lithium ion batteries power laptops. Lithium batteries are one of the best energy-to-weight ratios, have no memory effect (as in other rechargeable batteries) and a slow loss of charge when not in use. But they can be dangerous.
Through a chemical process that releases oxygen, lithium ion batteries produce electricity. The oxygen reacts with one of the battery's components that produce heat, potentially causing the battery's membrane to melt.
Caution should be taken, especially on long-haul air flights. Consumers are warned to discontinue use if your laptop warms up and under no circumstances put a pillow under it or wrap it in a blanket.
Laptop Fires in the News
Aug-21-06: Faulty batteries may not be the only reason for Dell laptop fires. [CONSUMER AFFAIRS]Aug-15-06: Battery recall could cost $400 million for Dell and Sony: [INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE]
Aug-14-06: Dell recalls battery packs on laptop computers shipped from April 2004 to now. [YAHOO]
Dell Announces Recall of Notebook Computer Batteries Due To Fire Hazard: [U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission]
