NEW YORK — Over 1.15 million power banks distributed across the United States are being recalled after multiple reports of fires and explosions emerged from users.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced on Thursday that Anker Innovations, a producer of electronic devices, is recalling specific models of its “PowerCore 10000” power banks. The devices contain lithium-ion batteries that have the potential to overheat.
Anker explained that an overheating battery could cause the “melting of plastic components, smoke, or even fire hazards.” The company stated that this recall is a precautionary measure to prioritize the safety of its customers.
According to the CPSC, Anker, which is based in China, has been informed of 19 incidents involving fires and explosions related to the affected chargers. These incidents include two cases of minor burns and 11 reports of property damage, collectively surpassing $60,700 in losses.
The specific power banks being recalled carry the model number A1263. They were available online from Anker’s official website and were also sold on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Newegg from June 2016 until December 2022, typically priced around $27 in the U.S., as per the recall notification.
Consumers who own these recalled chargers are advised to immediately discontinue their use and reach out to Anker for a complimentary replacement.
Affected customers can visit Anker’s website to gather more information and register for the recall process. To obtain a replacement, customers need to provide a photo of their recalled power banks displaying the model number, serial number, and their name, with the date and the word “recalled” clearly marked on the product.
Both Anker and the CPSC emphasize that these power banks should not be disposed of in regular trash or typical recycling streams. Because of the inherent fire hazards, it is essential to follow local guidelines for the proper disposal of recalled lithium-ion batteries.