Anker Recalls More Power Banks for Fire, Explosion Risk: How to Get a Free Replacement or Gift Card

The Electronics Company Anker has expanded an official global recall of some of its food banking products, adding five other models to a reminder of the Anker PowerCore 10000 food banks with the number A1263 announced earlier in June. The recall was launched following 19 reports on the portable chargers that set fire and exploding. Anker products are made in China.

In addition to the June recall of the A1263 and a previous reminder of October 2024 of the A1642 PowerCore 10000, the new products recalled are:

• Anker Power Bank 10000 A1257 model
• Anker Power Bank 20000 A1647 model
• Anker Maggo Power Bank 10000 A1652 model
• Anker Zolo Power Bank 20000 A1681 model
• Anker Zolo Power Bank 20000 A1689 Model

Other Anker models, including two of the best CNET choices for portable chargers – Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10k PD and Anker PowerCore III 10K – are not affected by the recall.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission previously reported that more than 1.1 million products sold in the United States were affected by the recall. The company plans to replace the load apparatus or offer $ 30 gift cards for the Anker online store, but customers must submit proofs of ownership and also prove that they have eliminated PowerCore devices correctly.

Until now, it is not clear how many products in addition to the previously reported 1.1 million are affected. A message to a representative for Anker was not immediately returned.

Airlines have taken note of the risk of portable battery. Recently, Southwest Airlines has changed its policy on load devices inside hand luggage. Some international airlines have also started to limit the types of lithium chargers, leaflets can cause aircraft due to overheating risks.

How to check if your anker powercore has been recalled

Anker says that affected products were purchased between June 1, 2016 and December 31, 2022.

Customers can check their serial number on a web page provided by Anker. The serial number is at the bottom of the device.

When entering the issue, Anker advises: “Pay attention to the letters and numbers of the serial number:” 1 “,” L “,” I “,” 2 “and” Z “. Please note that characters such as “0 (zero)” and “o” (o) may be incorrectly.

What to do if your Anker PowerCore has been recalled

In addition to asking customers to stop using the chargers immediately, the CPSC and Anker have displayed requirements to receive a replacement powercore device.

They include:

• Submit a photo of the reminded device that shows the model number, the serial number, the consumer name, the date of the photo and the word “recalled” written as a permanent marker on the device. Information that is not on the device can be on a piece of paper next to the device on the photo.
• Submit a purchase receipt, although the CPSC indicates that this is not a requirement for the recall.
• Confirmation of the elimination of the device “in accordance with applicable laws and regulations”. Anker advises not to have the device before having been confirmed that it is eligible for the recall.
• Since Anker: “If the serial number is used or not visible, please contact Anker for advice.”
• Anker recommends contacting a local dangerous waste collection center compared to the elimination of it in waste or through standard recycling services.
• For additional questions, Anker says that customers can send an e-mail to support@anker.com with “Anker Recall” in the object line or call 800-988-7973.

Why portable chargers can be a travel risk

The same reasons as portable load banks are so easy to transport are also part of the reason they can be a problem. Most use Lithium Ion technology, which can be used to make products based on light and effective battery, but is also likely to overheat or even fire if the batteries are damaged or degraded.

It is no different reports a decade ago of cheap batteries on spontaneously combustible hoverboards. Finally, the products were prohibited on planes and, in some cases, shipping.

“These products are generally unpretentious and are not something that the average consumer may think may be potentially dangerous,” said Don Fountain, lawyer for the civil trial and author of Defect Safety, a book on consumer security and defective products. Fountain is currently representing a case involving portable batteries which does not imply Anker.

“My business has manipulated fires and explosions caused by lithium batteries in a variety of products, including electric tools, electric bikes, phones, scooters, children’s toys, batteries and others,” said Fountain. “I expected consumers not to store or use these products in a confined or unveiled area which could cause overheating and not to leave these trendy products in domestic electrical systems for long periods, like night or on vacation.”

Fountain said that combustion batteries are particularly dangerous in cargo or aircraft cabins where it can be difficult to turn off a fire.

The lawyer said that in the case of Anker’s recall, customers do not always keep their proof of purchase, although this is not necessary in this case. However, he said: “It is unusual that proof of elimination is required for a reminder payment or a refund.”

“Most people who have had an overheating event or a small fire will simply throw the unit before thinking of contacting the manufacturer for a refund,” said Fountain.