Urgent Alert: Immediate Discontinuation of Fire-Prone Anker Power Banks Recommended
In a series of unprecedented moves, Anker, a leading power bank manufacturer, has issued two major recalls this year due to potential fire risks linked to lithium-ion battery cells from a single supplier. The recalls, which began in June and expanded globally by July, affect several models from various Anker product lines.
The first recall, initiated in June, focused on the PowerCore 10000 (Model A1263) power banks sold exclusively in the U.S. The recall was prompted by a fire and burn hazard associated with this specific model and serial numbers. Consumers were advised not to use or dispose of these batteries improperly due to fire risks.
Following the initial U.S.-only recall, Anker expanded the recall globally in late June to include five more power bank models from the Power Bank, MagGo, and Zolo series. The devices, sold worldwide, are subject to a voluntary recall, issued as a precaution despite the company stating the likelihood of malfunction is minimal.
The affected models include: - Anker Power Bank (10,000mAh, 22.5W) - Model A1257 - Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, USB-C cable) - Model A1647 - Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W) - Model A1652 - Anker Zolo Power Bank (20,000mAh, 30W, USB-C & Lightning cables) - Model A1681 - Anker Zolo Power Bank (20,000mAh, 30W, USB-C cable) - Model A1689
Anker emphasizes the immediate stopping of use of any affected power bank, even if the device appears fine, due to risks of overheating, melting, smoke, or fire. The recall focuses on lithium-ion batteries from the same unnamed supplier, believed to be the root cause of the hazard.
Consumers can check their model and serial numbers (usually printed on the side or back) to see if their power bank is affected and follow Anker’s process for free replacement or refund. Users will receive a replacement external battery or a gift card equal to the cost of the unit.
Anker has implemented new "enhanced quality assurance protocols" for its products in response to these incidents. The kind of new testing that helped Anker discover the fault was not specified.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Anker has issued a recall due to battery-related issues. Last October, Anker recalled several Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K) models due to similar issues with overheating and fire risk, with a total of 2,100 units recalled and 28 reported incidents.
In a concerning development, Anker also recalled 1.15 million units of a separate power bank this month due to a potential fire hazard, making it less recommended for older power bank models. However, the article does not provide information on whether the recalled power banks are still available for purchase.
The company has not yet revealed the total number of units being recalled for the PowerCore 10000, and the name of the supplier remains undisclosed. Users are encouraged to visit Anker's recall page and submit a claim, verifying the serial number and providing a picture of the power bank if available.
- Following the initial recall in June, Gizmodo reports that Anker expanded the global recall of its power bank models, citing potential fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries from the same supplier.
- In the wake of these incidents, Anker has announced that they have implemented new quality assurance protocols for their technology products to ensure the safety of their customers' health-and-wellness, including power banks.
- Given the recent recalls, tech enthusiasts should be mindful when purchasing power banks, as future incidents related to medical-conditions such as fire hazards cannot be ruled out, especially with the same supplier involved.
- Consumers who own any of the affected Anker power bank models, such as PowerCore 10000 (Model A1263) or the Anker Power Bank (10,000mAh, 22.5W) – Model A1257, are advised to visit Anker’s recall page for instructions on free replacement or refund. This highlights the importance of technology firms being transparent about their supplier relationships when it comes to health and wellness-related issues.
