Nokia to replace 14 mn BYD chargers

HELSINKI, FINLAND: Top cellphone maker Nokia said on Monday it would replace 14 million chargers made by China's BYD Co Ltd, saying the chargers could fall apart.

"We are undertaking this exchange program as a proactive, precautionary measure. We are not aware of any incidents or injuries relating to these three (models of) chargers," said Nokia spokesman Doug Dawson.

Nokia said BYD would cover all costs from replacement. An average charger sales price to phone manufacturers is around $1.

"The plastic covers of the affected chargers could come loose and separate, exposing the charger's internal components and potentially posing an electrical shock hazard if certain internal components are touched while the charger is plugged into a live socket," the Finnish firm said.

Nokia also said that in India, this charger exchange program was limited to charger model AC-3E only, manufactured between June 15 – August 9, 2009, for the phone model Nokia 7210. "This does not impact the usage or safety of the Nokia phone in any manner," it added.

BYD was not immediately available for comment.