Fire hazard products recalled

Portable jumpstart and power supply units

TCG Industrial Whistler Jump & Go Portable Jumpstart and power supply units have been recalled by the manufacturer. The units feature a lithium battery that can overheat, melt, catch fire and ignite nearby items, according to the ACCC.

Recalled units have date codes in YYYY/WW format from 201404 through 201439. The model number and date code are on the back of the unit under the coloured silicone boot. The date code is stamped directly on the case adjacent to the operational label.

The defective units were sold in Queensland and Western Australia direct from TCG Industrial.

Consumers should discontinue using the product immediately and contact TCG Industrial to arrange for a replacement.

Toshiba rechargeable battery packs

Meanwhile, Toshiba Australia is recalling the Li-ion battery used in certain laptops and notebook PCs (a list of model numbers appears below). The affected rechargeable battery packs may overheat, cause smoke and potentially ignite, representing a fire or burn hazard to consumers.

The battery packs were sold nationally between 1 June 2011 and 30 September 2015 through retail stores including Harvey Norman, Good Guys and JB Hi-Fi.

Toshiba advises that consumers should:

1. Turn off the PC, switch off at the wall socket, unplug the AC adaptor and remove the battery.
2. Visit the Toshiba support website to verify if the battery pack is affected.
3. Register to receive a free replacement.

Consumers can still use the AC adaptor without the battery.

Affected PC model numbers: R700, R830, A660, C50-A, C50D-A, C640, C650, C650D, C660, C660D, C850, C850D, L630, L640, L650, L650D, L670, L70-A, L730, L750, L750D, L830, L840, L850, L850D, NB10-A, P70-A, P750, P770, P840, P850, P870, R830, S70-B, S70T-B, C50, C650, C660, C70, C850, C850D, C870, L640, L650, L670, L70, L730, L740, L750, L770, L850, L870, NB10, R840.

Panasonic rechargeable battery packs

It’s been a busy week for recalls, with Panasonic Australia advising that the rechargeable battery pack CF-VZSU61U for CF-S10 Panasonic Toughbook computer is also at risk of overheating and igniting.

All CF-VZSU61U batteries sold in Australia with manufacturing lot numbers BAW, BBF, BBX, BBY, BC, C1 C2 and C3 sold between 1 April 2012 and 1 June 2013 are affected. The part number and lot manufacturing number may be found on the sticker attached to the battery.

The battery packs were sold nationally through Multi Media Technology.

Again, consumers are advised to immediately turn of CF-S10 Panasonic Toughbooks and inspect to verify the defective battery (CF-VSZSU61U). Remove the battery and use the AC adaptor until the battery is replaced. Contact Panasonic via the website or email to arrange a replacement.