Nokia recalls millions of phone chargers

ESPOO, Finland, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Finnish phone maker Nokia said Monday it was recalling poorly made cell phone chargers due to an electric shock hazard, which could involve 14 million chargers.

Nokia, in a release, did not estimate the number of charges in the recall, but The Times of London said the recall could involve 14 million chargers. PC World said "millions" of chargers were involved.

"The plastic covers of the affected chargers could come loose and separate, exposing the charger's internal components," Nokia said. As such, the exposed components could lead to a shock hazard.

The recall involves AC-3E and AC-3U charger models made from June 15 to Aug. 9. In addition, AC-4U models made from April 13 to Oct. 25 are involved, Nokia said.

Nokia advised consumers to stop using these models. The company is offering a free replacement for recalled chargers.

The company said it had not received any reports of injuries but had discovered the problem during a routine inspection.

Nokia said the chargers, representing the second major recall in two years, were made by BYD Electronic Co. of China. In 2007, the company recalled 46 million batteries made by Matsushita Battery Co. Ltc. of Japan.

Consumers can call 1-888-Nokia2U for information, the company said.