Hazard prompts HP to recall printer cords

Hewlett-Packard is replacing power cords for several models of inkjet printers because of concerns that the cords could present a shock hazard. The move was announced Thursday by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Brea, Calif.-based Longwell Electronics, the maker of the cords. Although no injuries or incidents have been reported, Longwell is recalling about 2.5 million power cord sets because a connector could break, exposing electrical contacts and posing a shock hazard to consumers. In a press release, Longwell and the CPSC advised consumers to immediately stop using certain printers and to contact HP for a free replacement cord. The gray power cord sets were sold with the HP Deskjet 800 and 900 series and the HP Photosmart 1000, 1100, and 1200 and 1300 series inkjet printers. The name "Longwell" is molded into the plug of the cord. The printers in question ranged in price from $100 to $400 and were sold between April 2001 and last month at stores including Best Buy, CompUSA, Costco Wholesale, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples and Wal-Mart. --Ian Fried, Special to ZDNet News