HP Recalls 1 Million Fax Machines Because "Fire" Is Not A Paper-Friendly Feature

Hewlett-Packard has announced a recall of more than one million HP Fax 1040 and 1050 fax machines in North America because the machines have faulty internal electric components that can fail, causing the machines to overheat and possibly catch fire.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says Hewlett-Packard has received seven reports — six in the U.S., another in Canada — of the HP fax machines overheating and catching fire. In one instance, a “significant” amount of property damage occurred and in another incident a consumer finger received a “minor burn injury.”

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled HP Fax 1040 and HP Fax 1050 machines and disconnect them from the electrical outlet.

The flawed HP fax machines were sold at electronics, computer and camera stores nationwide, and online at HP’s shopping website and other Internet retailers from November 2004 through December 2011 for between $90 and $120. Some of the recalled fax machines were replacement units for a previous recall of HP fax model 1010 in June 2008.

Both the HP Fax 1040 and Fax 1050 models being recalled bear the HP logo and its model number on the front of the fax machine.

he HP Fax 1040 (left) and HP Fax 1050 fax machines. (Note: NOT to scale.)

An estimated 928,000 of the machines were sold in the U.S. and 240,000 in Canada and Mexico.

After discontinuing use of the machines, consumers are urged to contact HP (toll-free: 888-654-9296 website: http://www.hp.com/go/faxrecall/US-en) for a rebate on the purchase of an authorized replacement HP fax machine or a partial rebate of certain HP ink jet printers.

HP Recalls Fax Machines Due to Fire and Burn Hazards [CPSC]
HP Fax Safety Recall [Hewlett-Packard]

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