It’s the second time in a matter of weeks that Anker has recalled some of its power banks.
WASHINGTON — Anker battery packs sold around the world are included in a new recall for popular power banks, over fears that the products may overheat or catch fire.
Power banks like the ones manufactured by Anker are often used to charge portable electronics such as cell phones. The products have grown in popularity during the smartphone era and are made with lithium ion batteries.
It’s the second time in a matter of weeks that Anker has recalled some of its power banks. On June 12, Anker issued a recall covering about 1.1 million Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks with the model number A1263.
The recall was issued after Anker received 19 reports of fires and explosions, including two reports of burn injuries and 11 reports of property damage. According to government regulators, fires caused by the batteries have caused more than $60,000 in damages.
In an announcement posted by Anker, the company said the latest products are being recalled after they identified “a potential issue with common, lithium-ion battery cells from a single vendor.”
“While the likelihood of malfunction is considered minimal, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to initiate a voluntary global recall of several Anker power bank models,” the company said. “We have formally notified and are coordinating with regulatory authorities in all regions to ensure the recall is conducted in compliance with all applicable local guidelines.”
New Anker power banks added to the recall
The latest recall includes a number of additional Anker power bank products. The following products are involved in the recall, the company said:
– 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 didn’t say how many power banks were included in the updated recall.
How to tell if you have a recalled Anker power bank
The easiest way to determine if your power bank has been recalled is to check the model number, which is located on the side of the device.
If the power bank’s model number is A1257, A1647, A1652, A1681 or A1689, it is included in the recall.
If the product is included in the recall, customers should stop using the power bank immediately. But unlike most typical recalls, you shouldn’t throw the affected device away in the trash.
Because the lithium ion batteries are an explosion and fire risk, Anker is warning customers not to immediately dispose of them. Instead, the company says you should submit the device through this form to their website. The company will either give a $30 gift card for use on Anker.com, or a free Anker Power Bank (10K, 22.5W) replacement (Model A1388).
Once the device is confirmed to be part of the recall, users should dispose of it properly.
Customers should drop the device off at any certified facility that accepts recalled lithium ion batteries. That may include local Household Hazardous Waste collection centers, but it’s best to contact the facility to confirm.