Fire Worries Spread To Copiers

Canon Inc. said Tuesday it will inspect over 1.87 million personal copiers worldwide, saying there was a risk some may catch fire.

Copiers at risk were 11 models manufactured in 1987-1997 and sold mainly in Japan, North America and Europe, the Tokyo-based company said in a statement.

A problem with the copiers' wiring meant the machines could overheat and emit smoke or catch fire, Canon said.

Three instances of copiers overheating have been reported since 1992, the latest in July this year, but there have been no injuries, according to Canon spokesman Mayuko Yaguchi.

The company will provide free inspections and part replacements for the 1.87 million copiers thought to be at risk, Yaguchi said.

The company expects inspections-related costs to reach 200 million yen (US$1.7 million) worldwide, she said.