Check your charger: Over a million power banks recalled over fire risk
Iain Hoey
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Fires in the US prompt lithium battery power bank recall
More than 1.15 million portable chargers sold in the United States have been recalled following reports of overheating, fires and explosions.
AP News has reported that the recall applies to Anker’s “PowerCore 10000” lithium-ion battery power banks, which were sold between June 2016 and December 2022.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the product’s battery can overheat and cause plastic parts to melt, creating a risk of smoke and fire.
Anker Innovations stated that the recall was being conducted “out of an abundance of caution” to protect customer safety.
The company and the CPSC are urging customers to stop using the product immediately and to dispose of it according to battery-specific guidance.
Reports of fire and injury lead to action
The CPSC reported that Anker had received 19 incident reports involving its PowerCore 10000 model, including fires and explosions.
Of these, two cases resulted in minor burn injuries that did not require medical care.
Eleven incidents involved property damage estimated at over $60,700, according to the CPSC.
Anker Innovations, headquartered in China, manufactured the power banks now included in the recall.
The affected units have the model number A1263, with “Anker” printed on the front and serial information on the bottom.
Power banks sold online for over six years
The recalled units were sold online across major platforms including Anker’s website, Amazon, eBay and Newegg.
Sales spanned from June 2016 through December 2022.
The retail price of the units was approximately $27.
According to Anker, only PowerCore 10000 model A1263 with certain serial numbers are affected.
Consumers are advised to check their unit against the recall database on Anker’s website.
Instructions for replacement and disposal
Consumers who own the recalled device can register for a free replacement by visiting the recall page on Anker’s official website.
To complete the process, they must submit a photo of the power bank that includes the model number, serial number, their name, the date and the word “recalled” written on the device.
A purchase receipt is requested but not required.
Anker also requires confirmation that the power bank will be disposed of in accordance with local battery disposal regulations before issuing a replacement.
Battery disposal warnings issued by safety agencies
The CPSC stated that recalled lithium-ion batteries must not be thrown away in household rubbish or standard recycling bins.
Instead, they should be taken to municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection centres.
Consumers are advised to contact their local HHW facility in advance to confirm acceptance of recalled lithium batteries.
If the local centre does not accept such waste, the public is advised to seek further guidance from municipal authorities.
Both the CPSC and Anker emphasised the fire risk associated with improper disposal of lithium batteries.
Anker recalls 1.15 million US power banks due to reported fires: Summary
More than 1.15 million Anker power banks are being recalled in the United States.
The recall applies to the PowerCore 10000 model number A1263.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 19 incidents of fire or explosion.
Two incidents resulted in minor burn injuries.
Eleven reports involved property damage totalling more than $60,700.
The power banks were sold between June 2016 and December 2022.
The devices were sold online by Anker, Amazon, eBay and Newegg.
Consumers are instructed to stop using the power banks immediately.
They can request a replacement by submitting required details via Anker’s website.
Consumers must confirm disposal through proper hazardous waste channels.
Improper disposal may result in fire hazards, according to the CPSC.