News + Video "HP Laptop explodes while charging"

Angler · 2018-04-02T17:58:30.000Z

Fortunately not something you hear about everyday.

On the first flash I think the battery pack blows itself out the back of the laptop
and begins to burn rapidly between the laptop and the bag.

Can only imagine having it on my lap when this occurred,
would need new pants for more than one reason. :zipper_mouth_face:

HP recalled over 100,000 batteries last year for “fire and burn hazards”,
wonder if this was one that didn’t get the memo.

http://www.thecomet.net/news/moment-laptop-explodes-while-charging-in-letchworth-1-5447963

bmengineer · 2018-04-02T19:09:53.000Z

It might just be the angle, but it looks to me like the fire seems to start out between that silver laptop and the bag - is it possible that a faulty power adapter is the real culprit here?

RobertB · 2018-04-02T19:54:54.000Z

Good thing it was a garage office with concrete walls

Angler · 2018-04-02T20:02:31.000Z

bmengineer:

It might just be the angle, but it looks to me like the fire seems to start out between that silver laptop and the bag - is it possible that a faulty power adapter is the real culprit here?

The power adapter is under the desk somewhere. Only the cable from it is showing above the table.
The first flash comes from the rear of the laptop, it is sideways on the table with the rear facing the bag. This explosion blows the battery pack out of the laptop which is then seen burning on the table between the laptop and the bag.

WalkIntoTheLight · 2018-04-02T20:16:01.000Z

One of the comments mentions it might be a faulty battery that was recalled under the HP battery recall. Anyone know what the root cause of that recall was?

Regardless, it’s good practice to never leave any device plugged in when you’re not home, that has a lithium-ion battery.

moderator007 · 2018-04-02T20:28:17.000Z

I zoomed in and watched it several times. Looks like the vent with flames starts directly out the back of the laptop, front being towards the chair. That’s were most battery packs are located. Then when the first small explosion happens (0:08) it shifts the laptop’s left side more towards the chair. It looks like the explosion came from a battery under the laptops left side, A 18650 rocket. Blows hot debris everywhere. I don’t see the power supply, but I do see the charging cord coming out of the left side of the laptop and looks like it runs underneath the desk somewhere.
.
I have heard people say “set it and forget it” when charging li-ion’s. Please don’t do that. Electronic devices do fail and are sometimes not made of quality parts. Every had a $1000 or more TV fail after a year or two of use. Now your relying on a $20 or less charger to not fail. :person_facepalming:
Never leave a li-ion charging unattended.

lampliter · 2018-04-02T22:52:47.000Z

Does anyone have any numbers on the recalled batteries; I’m on a Elitebook 8440p, battery is HP TD06 10.8v 4910mah?

warmurf · 2018-04-02T23:09:25.000Z

Last year one of my guys at work had his laptop on his chest and was watching some YouTube when the battery pack exploded. Although he threw it off himself in a hurry, the burns he got put him in ICU, and a stay in hospital for 2 weeks, with follow-up ops for skin grafts. He couldn’t work for 6 months.

I now won’t allow my kids to have a laptop sit in their lap, and all re-charging is done on a metal surface away from combustible materials. Seeing the batteries zinging around on fire is of concern though!

cellguy · 2018-04-02T23:14:13.000Z

Definitely the battery pack venting. Bad luck the bag was there to provide a fuel load.

Angler · 2018-04-03T00:35:01.000Z

lampliter:

Does anyone have any numbers on the recalled batteries; I’m on a Elitebook 8440p, battery is HP TD06 10.8v 4910mah?

Looks like you can download a checker or
validate manually here

h30686.www3.hp.com

HP Notebook Computer Battery Safety Recall and Replacement Program

battery replacement program

lampliter · 2018-04-03T17:25:46.000Z

Thank-You Angler; mine is OK.