Nokia has recalled its M(W)1122 DSL modems due to the possibility users getting an electrical shock from them, the handset giant announced yesterday.
The modems have nothing to do with handsets, however and are used for internet access.
In a statement, the company says "a component failure has been reported in the AC mains power inlet plug on the rear of a small number of the modems."
A company spokesperson says tests have shown fewer than 1% of the modems in New Zealand may be affected, "but Nokia is addressing the problem by replacing, free of charge, all the potentially affected modems".
In a letter to customers, the company said "following an extensive field testing programme, we believe the tests may have failed to detect some modems with a potentially serious safety hazard.
"In the faulty units, when the power cord is disconnected from the modem's power socket, one of the pins in the modem's power socket can come free and remain in the modem's power plug.
"This can cause an electric shock giving rise to serious injury or even death if the power plug is handled while the cord is still connected to the wall socket and the power is on."
Nokia urges customers with the modem to unplug, if they must, only at the wall and not at the back of the modem.