Lenovo is recalling 500,000 power cords in the U.S. and 44,000 in Canada because they have the potential to overheat and catch fire. The company recommends that users stop using the power cord.
The recall was announced Tuesday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The company has set up a guide for determining whether a cord is on the recall list.
There have been no reported problems with the cord in North America, according to Lenovo, but there were 15 known incidents overseas involving "overheating, sparking, melting and burning." No injuries have been reported.
The recall affects its IdeaPad computers sold from February 2011 through June 2012, and not all were affected. Cords labeled "LS-15" on the AC adapter end are being recalled.
The trouble for users is in Lenovo's recommendation about what to do if your power cord is on the recall list. It says it is "best to stop using any affected power cord immediately" and charging the system with a power cord that is not affected.
Lenovo is replacing the cord without charge, and users don't have to return the recalled power line. Most cords should arrive within 7 to 10 days, the company said.
Only the power cord is being recalled and not the adapter.