update Microsoft is recalling power cords on 14.1 million Xbox consoles worldwide, following reports of injuries due to defective electric components.

The company announced the recall on Thursday, saying it is aimed at protecting the consoles from electrical component failures that can pose a fire hazard. Microsoft spokesperson David McLane said this morning: "Of the 14 million consoles that we produced before October 23, 2003, there have been 30 instances where there has been an issue", with one instance ocurring in Australia. Seven customers reported burns to their hands, while in the rest of the cases, the defect caused smoke damage or minor damage to a carpet or entertainment centre.

According to McLane, "It's an electrical componentry problem that can happen in very very specific circumstances. For example, one of the things that can cause a component failure is an electrical condition like a sustained overvoltage - a rare condition that can be caused by things like downed powerlines in a windstorm or faulty wiring in a house. This sort of problem is very typical for a lot of consumer electronics products."

The recall covers Xbox consoles manufactured before October 23, 2003 in all regions except continental Europe. In Europe, consoles made before January 13, 2004, will need a replacement cord, the company said.

Orders for replacement cords can be placed at the Xbox Web site. It will take up to four weeks for new cords to arrive. Until the new cord comes, customers should turn off consoles when not in use, the company said.

Power cord problems have bugged other device makers in the past. Last year, for example, Dell recalled 4.4 million defective power adapters on notebooks sold between 1998 and 2002.

"This is a preventative step we're choosing to take despite the rarity of these incidents," Robbie Bach, senior vice president at Microsoft's entertainment division, said in a statement. "We regret the inconvenience, but believe offering consumers a free replacement is the responsible thing to do."

Australian Xbox customers can contact Microsoft on a toll-free number: 1800 073 897.