Lexmark printers recalled

A spokesperson from Lexmark Australia told ZDNet Australia today that around 39,400 printers are being recalled globally but only a very small number, "probably fewer than one thousand", are in Australia.

Lexmark Australia said the "entry level" laser models E230, E232, E330 and E332N are being recalled with the component failure, as several years of use may result in the product omitting an electric shock "if it's used with an ungrounded power cord".

"In Australia the likelihood of the fault occurring is less because it can only happen when the printer is connected to an ungrounded power source, and in Australia and New Zealand all models are branded with a properly grounded power cord," said the spokeswoman.

According to Lexmark Australia, this is one of the company's first recalls.

"The problem was actually found through routine testing, so there weren't any public complaints, and in any case the potential fault would only be likely to occur after a number of years of use," the spokeswoman said, adding "The product is new so there is very few out there".

Lexmark Australia said it has contacted nearly all the distributors and resellers stocking the product, and are now in the process of contacting customers.

"Once people are identified it will take one to three days to get the machine back," she said.

"We are really doing this as a volunteer recall because the company is very conservative and doesn't want to take any risk whatsoever."

The spokeswoman said customers will either get a new machine or a refund depending on their preference.

Australian distributors of the models are Tech Pacific, Ingram Micro, Gallas, RDT, HiTech, IT Wholesale, and Today Tech.

Customers who believe they may have an effected model can call the Lexmark customer care line on 1300 362 192 for further details.