More than One Million Anker Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Manufactured by Anker Innovations, highlighting the critical need to prevent the explosion of power banks. Always follow the instructions from the maker of your power bank and keep your device away from heat and sharp objects. To stay safe, regularly check for product recalls. Consider using safe battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, to prevent the explosion of power banks. Be alert for warning signs like swelling or excessive heat.
Tip: Regularly inspecting your devices helps you prevent accidents.
Key Takeaways
Anker took back about 2,100 power banks. They did this because of overheating and fire risks. Stop using the affected models right away. Follow the recall instructions to stay safe.
Overheating and damage can make power banks swell. They can also catch fire or even explode. Look for warning signs like heat, swelling, or odd smells.
Always buy power banks from trusted brands. Make sure they have safety certifications. Use the right cables and chargers to stop overheating.
Keep power banks in cool, dry places. Do not put them near heat, metal, or sharp things. This helps avoid short circuits and fires.
Check your power bank often for damage or recalls. If it is damaged or recalled, take it to a battery recycling center. Dispose of it safely.
Anker Recall Overview
Recall Details
It is important to know about the recent recall of the Anker 535 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K) A1366. The recall began on October 17, 2024. It includes models like A1642, A1647, and A1652. Anker took back about 2,100 units because of safety problems. There were 28 times when these power banks got too hot, exploded, or caught fire. Two people got burns on their hands. These power banks were sold from January 2024 to July 2024. You could buy them at stores like Best Buy and Target or online at Amazon and eBay.
Here is a quick overview:
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Recall Date | October 17, 2024 |
Affected Models | A1642, A1647, A1652 |
Number of Units Recalled | 2,100 |
Reported Incidents | 28 (overheating, exploding, catching fire) |
Injuries Reported | 2 (including burn injuries to users’ hands) |
Sale Period | January 2024 to July 2024 |
Sales Channels | In-store (Best Buy, Target, etc.) and Online (Amazon, eBay, etc.) |
If you have one of these power banks, you should do something now. Here are the steps you need to take:
Stop using your power bank right away.
Put it somewhere safe, away from heat and sharp things.
Do not throw it in the trash or recycling bin.
Bring your power bank to a place that takes lithium battery products.
Start your refund on the official Anker website.
Note: Acting fast helps keep you and others safe from harm.
User Impact
This recall affects lots of people who use portable chargers every day. If you use a power bank, you might feel worried about being safe. You may need to find another way to charge your devices until you get a new one. You also need to know how to handle and get rid of a lithium battery safely. Doing what the recall says helps protect you and your family from accidents. Always look for updates from the maker and follow their directions.
Why Power Banks Explode
Overheating Risks
You might wonder why a power bank can get dangerously hot. Overheating happens when the battery inside works too hard or gets damaged. If you leave your power bank in the sun or near a heater, the temperature can rise quickly. Charging your device for too long or using the wrong cable can also make the battery overheat. When a battery gets too hot, it can swell up or even catch fire. This is a serious fire risk. You should always check your power bank for signs of heat, like a warm surface or a strange smell. If you notice these warning signs, stop using the device right away.
Tip: Never charge your power bank under your pillow or blanket. Heat can build up fast and cause trouble.
Common Causes
Many things can cause power bank fires. Physical damage is one of the biggest dangers. If you drop your power bank or hit it against something hard, the battery inside can break. Poor quality is another problem. Cheap or fake power banks often skip important safety checks. They may use bad batteries or weak parts that fail easily. Overcharging is risky, too. If you leave your power bank plugged in for too long, the battery can get too full and overheat. Short circuits can also start fires. This happens when wires inside touch by mistake.
You should know that not all power banks are made the same. A report from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation and CCTV found that about 40% of power banks tested had problems. Some had low battery capacity or broken USB ports. Others could not charge at all. The report even found fake batteries filled with sand. These problems come from poor assembly and fake parts. Good brands use strict tests to check battery power and look for broken parts. They also check for overheating before selling the product. These steps help prevent power bank fires and keep you safe.
Prevent the Explosion of Power Banks
Buy Safe Power Bank Models
You can prevent the explosion of power banks by choosing safe models from trusted brands. Always look for power banks that have built-in protection chips. These chips help control the charging process and stop the battery from overheating. Trusted brands test their products for safety before selling them. You should avoid cheap or unknown brands. Many fake or low-quality power banks skip important safety checks. These products can cause power bank fires or even explode.
Tip: Check for certifications like UL, CE, or FCC on the packaging. These marks show that the power bank passed safety tests.
Prevent Power Bank Overheating
You can prevent the explosion of power banks by using the right cables and chargers. Always use the cable that came with your power bank or one from a trusted brand. Wrong cables can cause the battery to overheat. Do not charge your power bank overnight. Overcharging can make the battery too hot and damage it. Unplug your power bank once it is fully charged.
Use the correct cable and charger.
Unplug after charging.
Do not leave your power bank in the sun or near heaters.
If you notice your power bank getting warm, stop charging it and let it cool down.
Preventing Power Bank Fires
You can prevent power bank fires by storing your device in a safe place. Keep your power bank away from heat, sunlight, and metal objects. Metal can cause a short circuit if it touches the battery terminals. Store your power bank in a cool, dry place. Never put it under your pillow or blanket. Heat can build up quickly and start a fire.
Alert: If you want to know how to prevent power bank fires, always keep your device away from water and sharp objects.
Recognize Warning Signs
You can prevent the explosion of power banks by watching for warning signs. Check your power bank often for damage. Look for swelling, cracks, or leaks. If your power bank feels hot, smells strange, or looks swollen, stop using it right away. Do not try to fix a damaged power bank yourself. Bring it to a battery recycling center for safe disposal.
Warning Sign | What to Do |
|---|---|
Swelling | Stop using immediately |
Strange smell | Unplug and store safely |
Cracks or leaks | Dispose at battery center |
Overheating | Let it cool, then check |
Solid-State Battery Safety
Solid-state batteries offer better safety than regular lithium-ion batteries. These batteries use a solid material instead of liquid inside. This design makes them less likely to catch fire or explode. Solid-state batteries resist punctures and handle heat better. If you want to prevent the explosion of power banks, consider choosing a model with solid-state battery technology. These power banks last longer and provide more protection for you and your devices.
Note: Solid-state batteries are a smart choice for anyone who wants the highest level of safety.
Recall Actions
Check for Affected Devices
You should find out if your power bank is recalled. First, look for the model number on your device. The number is on the back or bottom. If you see A1366, A1642, A1647, or A1652, your power bank might be recalled. Go to the recall website and type in your model number to check.
There are tools that help you track recalls. Many official websites let you search by product or brand. Here are some ways to check if your device is affected:
Search for recalls using your product’s name or model number.
Use dashboards to sort recalls by brand or product type.
Register your device on recall apps to get alerts.
Look at yearly recall reports to see which products were recalled.
Watch for updates from the maker about new recalls.
Knowing about recalls helps you act fast and keep safe.
Safe Disposal Steps
If your power bank is recalled, handle it carefully. Never throw it in the trash or recycling bin. Lithium batteries can start fires if not handled right. Follow these steps to stay safe:
Stop using your power bank right away.
Put it in a cool, dry place away from heat and sharp things.
Take it to a place that accepts lithium batteries. Many electronics stores and recycling centers do this.
Carry the device in a non-metal box when you move it.
After you get rid of your device safely, go to the maker’s website to start your refund or return. Follow the steps to finish the process. Acting fast keeps you and others safe.
Tip: Always check for new updates from the maker about recalls and where to safely get rid of your device.
Safety Lessons
Product Awareness
You need to stay aware of the products you use every day. Many people do not check for updates or recalls on their devices. If you own a power bank, you should visit the manufacturer’s website often. Look for news about product recalls or safety concerns. You can also sign up for email alerts from trusted sources. These alerts will tell you if your device has any problems.
Staying informed helps you avoid accidents and keeps your devices safe.
You should read the instructions that come with your power bank. The manual explains how to use and store your device. If you follow these steps, you lower the risk of problems. Always check for warning signs like swelling or strange smells. If you see anything unusual, stop using the device right away.
Proactive Checks
You can prevent many problems by checking your power bank often. Make a habit of looking at your device before you use it. Look for cracks, leaks, or changes in shape. If you find damage, do not use the power bank. Take it to a recycling center that accepts lithium batteries.
Here are some easy steps to follow:
Inspect your power bank every week.
Store your device in a cool, dry place.
Keep your power bank away from metal objects.
Use only the cables that came with your device.
Tip: Regular checks help you spot issues before they become dangerous.
You play a big role in your own safety. When you stay alert and follow good habits, you protect yourself and others from harm.
You can keep your devices safe by following a few simple steps. Always buy power banks from trusted brands and check for recalls. Store your power bank in a cool, dry place. Watch for warning signs like swelling or heat. Solid-state batteries offer extra protection. Make regular checks part of your routine. Stay alert and put safety first every time you use your power bank.
FAQ
What should you do if your power bank gets hot while charging?
If your power bank feels hot, unplug it right away. Let it cool down in a safe place. Do not use it again until you check for damage. If you see swelling or smell something strange, take it to a battery recycling center.
How can you tell if your power bank is recalled?
Look for the model number on your power bank. Visit the manufacturer’s website and enter the number to check for recalls. You can also sign up for recall alerts to stay updated.
Tip: Always check your device after hearing about a recall in the news.
Is it safe to charge your phone overnight with a power bank?
Charging overnight is not safe. Unplug your phone and power bank once they are fully charged. Overcharging can cause overheating and damage the battery.
Charging Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
Unplug early | Prevents overheating |
Use safe cables | Reduces fire risk |
What is the safest way to store your power bank?
Store your power bank in a cool, dry place. Keep it away from sunlight, water, and metal objects. Do not put it under pillows or blankets. Safe storage helps prevent fires and damage.
