recently, my elderly dell inspiron laptop (think; windows xp) spontaneously ignited. It was switched on and i was in another room when i heard it explode. I returned to see lots of fumes and flames. Thankfully there was little loss of property. I understand that this is a known issue with dell. Is there anyone here who can explain how such a dangerous battery passed qc and the regulators, and why there is not more awareness around there issues?
Why do dell laptops explode?
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Re: Why do dell laptops explode?
#2sounds like a lawsuit in the making..
Re: Why do dell laptops explode?
#3Likely old batteries
Re: Why do dell laptops explode?
#4They explode because chemical sources of electricity inherently seem to come with risks, and these are reactive chemicals with high energy density no matter if heat or electricity. They grow crystals as they age. They can puncture membranes.
Dell probably paid a battery disposal levy to sell the device. More recent devices in Australia have to declare on this.
Personally, I think this sucks but it'd be either clunky devices or shorter life or more expensive or, my preference, less planned obsolescence. That demands process, industry costs like shared battery designs, business to swap and replace. We have some, not a lot of that.
I hoard old tech. This is my nightmare up on the 9th floor. I need to dispose of some laptop batteries.
A good reminder to risk. Thanks.
Re: Why do dell laptops explode?
#5They explode because chemical sources of electricity inherently seem to come with risks, and these are reactive chemicals with high energy density no matter if heat or electricity. They grow crystals as they age. They can puncture membranes. Dell probably paid a battery disposal levy to sell the device. More recent devices in Australia have to declare on this. Personally, I think this sucks but it'd be either clunky…
may i suggest that if this is the case, they should also pay for fire insurance and health insurance subsidies, and maybe also life insurance subsidies as well...
Re: Why do dell laptops explode?
#6They explode because chemical sources of electricity inherently seem to come with risks, and these are reactive chemicals with high energy density no matter if heat or electricity. They grow crystals as they age. They can puncture membranes. Dell probably paid a battery disposal levy to sell the device. More recent devices in Australia have to declare on this. Personally, I think this sucks but it'd be either clunky…
may i suggest that if this is the case, they should also pay for fire insurance and health insurance subsidies, and maybe also life insurance subsidies as well...
do cigarette lighter makers, (the gas ones) WD-40, pressurised hairspray, kerosine (for cleaning) or even wall-wart chargers do this?
you've identified a risk. Its not actually different to a lot of other consumer risks. Maybe there is a vicarious liability to the original vendor, but I bet that dell battery had warning signs on it, the IBM ones I'm sitting on, definitely have yellow hazard markings and disposal information and the paper I got on delivery (and throw away unread) probably told me about a risk which I ignored. Kinda (I am saying) like you.
You were told about this. Its been a "thing" long enough, there are signs in airports about packing Lithium batteries.
Its a "thing" long enough that the 787 battery fire is a "thing"
"I hung onto a potentially explosive battery long enough, it actually caught fire, despite having been told it, when I got it" isn't a good basis for an insurance obligation if you ask me.
Re: Why do dell laptops explode?
#7Earlier quoted context omitted.
may i suggest that if this is the case, they should also pay for fire insurance and health insurance subsidies, and maybe also life insurance subsidies as well...
do cigarette lighter makers, (the gas ones) WD-40, pressurised hairspray, kerosine (for cleaning) or even wall-wart chargers do this? you've identified a risk. Its not actually different to a lot of other consumer risks. Maybe there is a vicarious liability to the original vendor, but I bet that dell battery had warning signs on it, the IBM ones I'm sitting on, definitely have yellow hazard markings and disposal info…
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Original-WDX0R-Battery-for-DELL-...
they're covered in risk and recycle instructions. It doesn't specifically say "don't keep me more than 5 years" or anything.
Re: Why do dell laptops explode?
#8Earlier quoted context omitted.
may i suggest that if this is the case, they should also pay for fire insurance and health insurance subsidies, and maybe also life insurance subsidies as well...
do cigarette lighter makers, (the gas ones) WD-40, pressurised hairspray, kerosine (for cleaning) or even wall-wart chargers do this? you've identified a risk. Its not actually different to a lot of other consumer risks. Maybe there is a vicarious liability to the original vendor, but I bet that dell battery had warning signs on it, the IBM ones I'm sitting on, definitely have yellow hazard markings and disposal info…
i think you are wrong: this is a confirmed design flaw. Dell should bear more responsibility.
Re: Why do dell laptops explode?
#9Earlier quoted context omitted.
do cigarette lighter makers, (the gas ones) WD-40, pressurised hairspray, kerosine (for cleaning) or even wall-wart chargers do this? you've identified a risk. Its not actually different to a lot of other consumer risks. Maybe there is a vicarious liability to the original vendor, but I bet that dell battery had warning signs on it, the IBM ones I'm sitting on, definitely have yellow hazard markings and disposal info…
i think you are wrong: this is a confirmed design flaw. Dell should bear more responsibility.
Dispose of this battery and any others you hold and move on with your life.
Re: Why do dell laptops explode?
#10I have used Dell computers for decades and they have always been superior to their competition in quality, repairability, price and useful longevity. Both laptops and desktops are excellent values.
If you are going to defame Dell, then you should have some mighty strong supporting evidence, and you have offered none. In other words, your post is simply libelous misrepresentation, and I don'tt understand why it is allowed here.