If you have an Anker charger, there could be a risk of it overheating and becoming a fire hazard.
Accessory maker Anker recently launched two separate recalls for its power banks, some of which may pose a fire risk.
The first recall addresses the Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Banks, which were sold between June 1, 2016, and December 31, 2022, in the United States. Anker has stated that these power banks have a “potential issue” with the battery inside, which can lead to overheating, melting of plastic components, smoke, and fire hazards. The company has stated that the affected units should have the A1263 model number on the bottom of the device, but Anker has a website for checking the serial number. Anker is offering customers who have a faulty PowerCore 10000 a $30 gift card for the Anker website or a free 10K Anker Power Bank replacement.
Anker’s second recall, which is worldwide, addresses the following products:
- Anker Power Bank (10K, 22.5W) — Model A1257
- Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable) — Model A1647
- Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W) — Model A1652
- Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C and Lightning Cable) — Model A1681
- Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C Cable) — Model A1689
The company has stated that the global voluntary recall stems from a potential defect with batteries sourced from one of its vendors. Anker has stated that the “likelihood of malfunction is considered minimal,” but it is recalling the devices “out of an abundance of caution.”
While there isn’t a lot of information as to the recall on Anker’s U.S. website, the company’s Chinese website says that the battery cells could contain impurities or foreign particles, leading to short circuits, overheating, smoke, and fire. Some of the battery cells may have metal particles that can lead to short circuits, while others are not properly insulated. In addition, some units were also exposed to extreme heat or mechanical shock during manufacturing, increasing the risk of incident.
Customers who may have an impacted Anker power bank can check the serial number or submit proof of purchase through the online recall form.
Anker has not begun offering refunds in the United States, but has stated that affected users can receive either a free replacement product or a gift card to use on the Anker website. Anker customers who purchased a device in China are eligible for a full refund, an upgrade exchange, or a gift card for the original purchase price plus 50 yuan. Anker has also announced that it is working with its suppliers to set up new oversight and testing protocols to prevent future issues via its Chinese website.
For all power banks that are part of the recalls, Anker suggests that customers dispose of them at municipal household hazardous waste facilities.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via MacRumors and Anker (U.S. website, Chinese website),
