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Technology giant Sony has recalled over four lakh units of its successful VAIO brand laptops due to potential burn hazards from overheating and short circuits.
While the company is recalling 73,000 units sold in the US market over the past one year, the number of potentially faulty models across the world is said to be over four lakh.
It could not be immediately ascertained whether the models sold in India are also being recalled.
In a statement, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said consumers should immediately stop using products being recalled by Sony.
"Irregularly positioned wires near the computers hinge and/or a dislodged screw inside the hinge can cause a short circuit and overheating. This poses a burn hazard to consumers," CPSC said.
Sony has received 15 reports of overheating, including from one consumer who suffered a minor burn, it added.
The recalled notebook models are the VAIO VGN-TZ100 series, VGN-TZ200 series, VGN-TZ300 series and VGN-TZ2000 series. The computer screen size is about 11.1 measured diagonally. Not all units are affected and consumers should contact Sony to determine if their unit is included in the recall, CPSC said.
The models were sold by the SonyStyle stores and its web site, authorized electronics retailers, and authorized business-to-business dealers across US from July 2007 through August 2008 for between 1,700 and 4,000 dollars.
These models were manufactured in Japan and the US.
"Consumers should stop using the recalled notebook computers immediately and contact Sony to determine if their notebook is affected. The firm will arrange for an inspection and repair, if needed," the statement said.
The company said in a separate statement that it has become 'aware of a potential issue' in certain VAIO models, which involves a small number of units which may overheat due to a wiring problem.
"Sony has initiated a voluntary programme to perform a free inspection and, if necessary, a repair to ensure that these units meet our high quality standards.
"At no charge, Sony will provide an inspection and, if necessary, on-site repair at your home or office. Alternatively, you can ship your notebook to our service centre," Sony Electronics' Senior Vice President (VAIO) Mike Abary said in a statement.
The company however said that there had been no incidents so far where this issue has caused a fire, but there is a risk of minor burns if the affected part is touched while hot.
The company said other VAIO notebook models are not at risk.