Here we
go again kids. After all those
notorious fires related to the batteries used by the world's largest handset manufacturer, Nokia has issued a product advisory related to the BL-5C, Nokia-branded battery. That's right,
Nokia branded, not just those
third-party knockoffs everyone had been
pointing the finger at previously. A staggering 46 million batteries in fact, all manufactured by Matsushita (aka, Panasonic) between December 2005 and November 2006, are said to be at risk of "dislodge." According to the release, "in very rare cases" the Nokia-branded BL-5C batteries could short circuit
leading to an explosive burn. Nokia goes on to say that the danger only exists while charging the battery and of the 100 or so reported incidents, "no serious injuries or property damage have been reported." Oh really? So the
loss of a leg no longer constitutes serious injury? The BL-5C is one of just 14 different batteries used in Nokia products so be sure to check the list below to see if your phone is one of the 52 Nokia handsets affected. If you're unlucky (or lucky, depending upon your viewpoint) enough to be affected, then Nokia will provide a replacement battery free of charge.
Update: We just received word from Nokia that the "overheating" referred to in their advisory will
not result in an explosion or even a fire. At worst, batteries will "overheat, expand, and pop out of the phone (due to the expansion of the battery)." Of course, it states right on the battery that it "may explode if damaged" and "do not short circuit" so this little clarification likely won't make you feel any better now will it?
Read -- Product advisory for BL-5C battery
Read -- List of affected Nokia phones and Battery IDs
posted Aug 14th 2007 4:37AM
I have a BL-5C, but unfortunately I'm not gonna get a new battery for free, which sucks because mine is dying.
theyre hella cheap on ebay anyway.
and engadget, the loss of a leg story has nothing to do with this recall considering that story is from march 05 and the recall is for batteries from dec 05
my n70 phone has BL-5C battery..
how and where should I go for it to be replaced?
it's still in good condition but I'd just like to make sure..
Question. the BL-5L Battery of N92-1 is safe to use?
Pls. Reply. Thanks