Dell Inc. said on Monday it would recall 4.1 million notebook computer batteries because they could overheat and, in rare cases, catch fire.

This will be the largest safety recall in the history of the consumer electronics industry, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Dell, the world's largest PC maker, said the lithium-ion batteries were made by Sony and were installed in notebooks sold between April 2004 and July 18, 2006.

The recalled batteries were used in 2.7 million computers sold in the United States and 1.4 million sold overseas. The total is about 18 percent of Dell's notebook production during the period in question.

Dell has reported six instances since December in which notebooks overheated or erupted in flames. There were property damage, but no injuries or death. Dell said the problems were a result of a manufacturing defect in batteries made by Sony.

Sony, which affirmed Monday that its batteries were responsible, said it was "financially supporting" Dell in the recall.

Dell refused to estimate the cost, but said the recall would not materially affect its profits.

The safety agency said the batteries were not unique to Dell, meaning that other companies using Sony batteries may also have to issue recalls. Sony has sold its batteries to most of the major computer makers.

The recall also raises broader safety questions about lithium-ion batteries, which are used in other devices like cellphones, portable power tools, camcorders, digital cameras and MP3 players, experts said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2006)