Safety Information

Product Safety

The base internationally recognized product safety standard for Information Technology Equipment (ITE), such as computer systems, printers and monitors, IEC 60950-1 or IEC 62368-1 provides design and testing requirements for safe use of the equipment. Designing products to this standard reduces the risk of hazards from electrical, thermal, mechanical, chemical and radiation conditions.

Safety standards appropriate to the category of equipment are used for the designing and testing of non-Information Technology Equipment.

General product safety information is provided within the Safety Information section of our Product Compliance Help Desk. Product-specific safety information which is intended to address a product-specific feature (e.g., wall-mounting brackets) is provided within the documentation shipped with an optional product-specific feature. Note that product safety warnings and cautions for certain components, accessories and peripherals may be provided within the product safety information applicable for the component, accessory and peripheral. Product users should ensure that they have read and are familiar with all product safety information applicable to the use of their systems, components, accessories and peripherals.

Swollen Battery Safety

Lithium-ion polymer batteries have become standard in the electronics industry due to customer preferences for a slim form factor and long battery life.  Inherent to lithium-ion technology is the potential for swelling of the battery cells.  Dell works with its battery supplier to minimize the potential for this issue to arise in our products, but we have seen a low incidence of swelling in some Dell branded batteries.  In rare cases, the swelling might result in cracking or separation of the product enclosure.  If this happens with your Dell product, please contact our product support for options to repair and/or replace by a Dell authorized service technician under the terms of the applicable warranty or service contract.  Swollen batteries must be handled with care during replacement.  A swollen battery in your Dell product does not pose a safety issue.  As a reminder, it is important to always purchase genuine replacement batteries from Dell.  

Swollen Battery Information and Guidance

 

Tingle Sensation

A tingling sensation may be noticed any time a notebook computer AC adapter is connected to the electrical supply and the user touches any exposed metal surface on the computer or any connected devices. This sensation has been known in the electronics industry for many years. The likelihood of occurrence depends on several factors, but the experience may occur on devices that have metal surfaces and (especially) 2-prong AC Adapters.

Some users have asked whether this sensation relates to the safety of the notebook. Please be assured that the electric current on all Dell products have been measured and shown to be well within the safety limits established by national and international safety standards for Information Technology Equipment, UL 60950-1 and IEC 60950-1. If a tingling sensation occurs, it does not present any risk of injury to the user nor is it harmful to the computer itself.

All electrical devices powered by AC Adapters with a two-pronged power cord (without a connected ground wire) may exhibit an electrical potential (voltage) between the exposed metal parts of the device and earth ground. The human body can be thought of as a wire which can conduct electric current. Depending on the conditions of a person's skin -- oily, dry, etc., and the surrounding environment (humidity level, flooring or desk material) -- the body can be more or less conductive. If conditions are right for the human body to be less conductive, such as having dry hands or wearing rubber soled shoes on a carpeted floor, the probability of sensing the tingling (electric current) is reduced. If conditions are right for the human body to be more conductive, such as having wet hands or standing barefoot on a concrete floor, the probability of sensing the tingling (electric current) increases. This phenomenon can even occur with a three prong grounding type power cord if the building supply ground is compromised or inadequate.

Air Travel

When traveling with your Dell computer or Personal Electronic Device (PED), it is important to understand the restrictions of use for your product while on board an aircraft. Dell encourages you to review the safety information applicable to your adapter, batteries and wireless device before traveling with your PED. Additionally, Dell recommends that you review the Air Travel information on our Product Compliance Help Desk and provided by your airline.


Product Use
Safety information is provided with your product at shipment.  Additional information is provided on our Product Compliance Help Desk article, Safety Information.  Dell recommends that you review the  Product Use and Handling information included on our Product Compliance Help Desk. Adherence to the guidelines provided on the Product Compliance Help Desk will assist in protecting your product.

Glass Warning

Touch screens on some Dell devices are made of glass.  This glass could break if the device is dropped or receives a significant impact.  To reduce the risk of cuts, do not touch or attempt to remove any broken glass.

Use of Symbols on Products