(NEXSTAR) — Anker Innovations is recalling over 1 million of its power banks after the company says it received 19 reports of fires and explosions caused by the items. There were also reports of minor burns to users and 11 reports of property damage totaling over $60,700, according to the recall notice.
The recalled product is the Anker PowerCore 10000 power bank, model A1263 only. Anker says the power banks’ lithium-ion batteries can overheat, causing a risk of fire and burns. In total, 1,158,000 power banks are affected. Only models with qualifying serial numbers are under the recall.
Customers should immediately stop using the recalled power banks.
Here’s how to identify them.
- Name: Anker PowerCore 10000
- Model: A1263, printed on the bottom
- “Anker” is engraved on the front of the bank
- Serial number will be found printed on the bottom
Once you’ve found the serial number, you’ll be able to put in both the model and serial number into the recall form, in addition to photos of the bottom of the device, to verify these numbers. Anker is offering customers refunds in the form of $30 gift cards or a replacement Anker power bank.
Customers are warned not to throw their lithium-ion batteries or devices into the trash or into battery recycling boxes, which can be found at many retail and home improvement stores. Lithium-ion batteries are more flammable than other types of batteries, says Anker. For information on lithium-ion battery disposal, the EPA has a variety of tips.
The Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks were sold online, via Amazon, Newegg, and eBay from June 2016 through December 2022 for about $27.
To contact Anker and for more information, visit Anker.com. You can also call Anker from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Mondays-Fridays at (800) 988-7873. You can report any incidents or injuries related to this recall to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.