Anker Expands Power Bank Recall Over Continued Fire Concerns
Popular electronics company Anker has issued its recall notices for products, calling upon the users of five more power bank models to stop using them immediately due to serious safety hazards. The company advises that the models have the risk of overheating, melting, smoking, or burning.
This is Anker’s second major recall alert this month, after issuing a previous notice on its PowerCore 10000 product. Growing safety issues seem to be attributed to defective lithium-ion batteries provided by one of its suppliers.
“Although the risk is deemed to be low, out of an excess of caution, we have decided to start a voluntary global recall of some Anker power bank models,” the company added.
Which Anker Models Are Impacted?
The recall includes five various power bank models that customers have access to, which they can confirm by looking at the model number on the back or side of the device:
- Anker Power Bank (A1257 and A1647 models)
- Anker MagGo Power Bank (A1652 model)
- Anker Zolo Power Bank (models A1681, A1689)
Unlike the previous model A1263 recall, whose dates of purchase ranged from June 2016 to December 2022, Anker has not indicated a particular time frame for these other models. The majority of these are new products, with others still on sale until the most recent company announcement.
The urgency of these recalls is better understood when one examines previous reports of incidents. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission experienced 19 reports of fires and explosions related to the earlier model A1263 recall. Whether reports of such incidents have been made for the recently recalled models is not clear, but that Anker is not leaving anything to chance is evident from its prompt reaction.
The underlying issue seems to be faulty lithium-ion batteries from a supplier of Anker. These defective batteries can lead to the power banks’ overheating to a hazardous degree, which may result in melting, the generation of smoke, or even fires.
What Should Customers Do?
Anker is making it fairly simple for the impacted customers to receive compensation. US customers have the option of receiving a free replacement power bank or a gift card on the Anker website. To receive either, customers must complete a recall claim form on the Anker website and submit their product’s serial number or proof of purchase.
That being said, the most crucial action is immediate: discontinue using the infected power banks immediately.
Credits: San Francisco Chronicle
Merely disposing of such recalled power banks in the garbage can create new safety risks. Anker insisted that the disposal of the products should be carried out at facilities that have proper equipment for dealing with lithium-ion batteries.
The company cautions against discarding these power banks in household trash, recycling containers, or even in the battery recycling containers that are usually available in retail outlets. The fire hazard necessitates disposal in designated facilities for public welfare.
Global Response for Anker
Anker is not restricting its recall to the US market alone. The firm has officially reported to foreign regulatory agencies to align the recall with local regulations globally. This global initiative demonstrates that Anker is aware of the possible extent of the safety problems and does not wish to take any chances where they sell their products.
These recalls reflect continued issues in the portable electronics market, specifically with battery safety. Power banks are now a common accessory for most, so safety concerns are all the more worrisome considering how popular they are.
The incidents also indicate the need for supply chain quality control. Even such well-established companies as Anker can be handicapped by severe issues when suppliers deliver faulty components.
Looking Ahead Even though Anker describes the possibility of failure as “minimal,” the two major recalls that the company released in the same month demonstrate an investment in the safety of the customer at the cost of potential financial loss.
The scope and urgency of the recalls, as well as the free replacement offer, demonstrate that the company is prioritizing public safety. For owners of any of the products being recalled, the news is straightforward: immediately cease their use and adhere to Anker’s instructions on safe disposal and replacement.
