Anker recall of 1m power banks underscores battery challenge

Chinese manufacturer Anker has issued a recall for more than a million of its older power banks in the United States due to issues with the lithium-ion batteries. This recall is just one of three that have taken place in recent weeks, highlighting the importance of battery safety in electronic devices.

The affected product is the Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks (Model: A1263) manufactured between January 1st, 2016, and October 30th, 2019. These power banks were sold in the US between June 1st, 2016, and December 31st, 2022. Anker has identified a potential fire safety risk associated with these power banks, as the lithium-ion battery may overheat, leading to melting of plastic components, smoke, and fire hazards.

According to the company, there have been 19 reports of fires and explosions involving the Anker power banks, with two cases resulting in minor burn injuries and 11 cases of property damage amounting to over $60,700. This alarming trend has prompted Anker to take proactive measures by initiating a recall program to ensure consumer safety.

Aside from Anker, other manufacturers have also faced similar issues with their lithium-ion battery-powered devices. iWalk in the US recently recalled 27,000 magnetic wireless charging battery packs after 15 incidents of lithium-ion cells catching fire, causing 10 burn injuries. Similarly, Shenzhen Baseus Technology recalled its BS-30KP365 Baseus 65W 30000mAh power banks in the US due to reports of bulging and fire hazards.

It is crucial to handle lithium-ion batteries and devices with care, especially when disposing of them. These recalled power banks should not be thrown away in regular household waste, as they pose a higher risk of fire. Proper disposal methods, such as taking them to regional recycling centers, are recommended to mitigate potential hazards.