- A range of Anker power banks have been recalled as fire hazards
- Numerous fires and injuries have been reported
- The total number of affected devices could amount to almost half a million
Earlier this year, Anker issued a recall for a host of its best power banks, revealing that they contained flaws that potentially made them a fire risk. Now, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) has revealed the scale of the recall.
We didn’t previously know how many power banks were affected by this issue, but the USCPSC’s website now explains that about 481,000 units could be at risk. That means there could be a large number of people potentially in possession of dangerous power banks.
And this isn’t just speculation. Anker has apparently received 33 reports of fire or explosions related to the recalled power banks, resulting in four minor burn injuries and one instance of “substantial property damage.” If you have one of these power banks, you should dispose of it as soon as you can.
Impacted devices have the model numbers A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681 and A1689 (you can see their full names below). You can check if your power bank is affected by verifying its serial number on Anker’s website. Anker will then provide you with information on how to return or dispose of the power bank.
- Anker Zolo Model A1681 (20K, 30-watt, with built-in USB-C and Lightning cables)
- Anker Zolo Model A1689 (20K, 30-watt, with built-in USB-C cable)
- Anker MagGo Model A1652 (7.5-watt, 10,000mAh)
- Anker Power Bank Model A1257 (10K, 22.5-watt)
- Anker Power Bank Model A1647 (22.5-watt, 20,000mAh, with built-in USB-C cable)
Additionally, the USCPSC says that you must not throw your device in the trash, place it in a curbside recycling box, or take it to a recycling point in a retail store due to the risk of fire.
Instead, you should contact your nearest municipal household hazardous waste collection center to see if they will accept the recalled power bank. If not, your municipality should be able to offer further information.
How to check
The good news is that you won’t be left high and dry without a power bank. According to the USCPSC, if you are affected you can contact Anker for a full cash refund. Alternatively, you might instead receive an Anker gift card.
In order to receive one of these options, you’ll need to first check your power bank is one of those affected (see model numbers above). You’ll then need submit your proof of purchase using Anker’s product recall submission form, including a photo of your recalled power bank.
This image must show the power bank’s model number and serial number, should also include your name and the date the photograph was taken, and you must also write the word ‘Recalled’ in permanent marker on the power bank itself.
Once all that’s done, you should be able to rid yourself of the affected device. If you think your power bank is at risk, aim to have it returned or disposed of as soon as possible.
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alexblake.techradar@gmail.com (Alex Blake)
