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Electronics manufacturer Anker announced a formal recall on Thursday, June 12, for its Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks, specifically model number A1263. This action follows 19 reported cases of the portable chargers combusting or exploding.
Extensive Recall of Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Banks
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), this power bank recall impacts over 1.1 million units sold in the United States. Anker intends to provide replacement devices to affected customers. However, claimants must furnish photographic proof of ownership and evidence of proper disposal of the defective PowerCore units.
The PowerCore, manufactured in China, joins three other current Anker power bank recalls, including the 334 MagGo 10K battery, the 321 Power Bank (5K), and the 535 Power Bank (20K). It is important to note that certain Anker models, such as the Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD and Anker PowerCore III 10K, remain unaffected.
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The potential hazards associated with portable batteries have prompted airlines to take precautionary measures. Recently, Southwest Airlines revised its policy regarding the charging of electronic devices within carry-on baggage. Furthermore, several international airlines now impose restrictions on the types of lithium chargers passengers can bring on board due to overheating risks.
Identifying Recalled Anker PowerCore Units
Anker has stated that the affected products are PowerCore 10000 power banks, model A1263, purchased from June 1, 2016, to December 31, 2022.
Verifying Your Device’s Serial Number
Customers can check if their device is part of the recall by visiting a webpage provided by Anker and entering their serial number. The serial number is located on the bottom of the power bank.
Anker advises users to:
“Pay attention to the letters and numbers in the serial number: ‘1’, ‘L’, ‘I’, ‘2’ and ‘Z’. Please note that characters such as ‘0 (zero)’ and ‘O’ (o) may be entered incorrectly. Regarding the serial number of the target product, ‘O’ and ‘I’ are not used.”
Steps to Take if Your PowerCore is Recalled
The CPSC and Anker are urging consumers to cease using the chargers immediately. To receive a replacement PowerCore device, customers must adhere to the following requirements:
- Submit a photo of the recalled device showing the model number, serial number, the consumer’s name, the photo’s date, and the word “recalled” written on the device with a permanent marker. This information can be written on a piece of paper placed next to the device in the photo.
- Submit a purchase receipt, although the CPSC confirms this is not mandatory for participation in the recall program.
- Provide confirmation that the device has been disposed of “in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.” Anker advises against disposing of the device until eligibility for the recall has been confirmed.
- If the serial number is illegible or has worn off, Anker advises, “If the serial number is worn off or not visible, please contact Anker for guidance.”
- Anker recommends that consumers contact a local hazardous waste collection center for disposal instructions, rather than discarding the device in the trash or through standard recycling services.
- For additional assistance, customers can email [email protected] with “Anker A1263 Recall” in the subject line, or call 800-988-7973.
Why Portable Chargers Pose Potential Travel Risks
The portability of power banks, their convenient design, also contributes to potential dangers. Due to their typical reliance on lithium-ion technology, these batteries can be vulnerable to overheating or fires if they get damaged or degrade. While this technology provides lightness and efficiency, it can be problematic if not correctly maintained.
This issue is reminiscent of incidents from a decade ago involving spontaneously combusting batteries in hoverboards, which led to their ban on airplanes and restrictions on their shipment.
“These products are typically unassuming and not something that the average consumer thinks can be potentially dangerous,” noted Don Fountain, a civil trial attorney and author of Defect Safety, a book addressing consumer safety and defective products. Fountain is currently working a case involving portable batteries which is not related to Anker.
“My firm has handled fires and explosions caused by lithium batteries in several products, including power tools, e-bikes, phones, scooters, children’s toys, battery packs and others, “Fountain explained. “I would caution consumers to not store or use these products in a confined or unventilated area that could cause overheating and to not leave these products plugged into home electrical systems for extended periods of periods of time, such as overnight or when on vacation.”
Fountain added that combusting batteries represent a substantial hazard in cargo holds or airplane cabins, where extinguishing a fire can be challenging.
The attorney noted that in the case of Anker’s recall, customers don’t always retain the proof of purchase, even though it’s not a requirement. According to Fountain, “It is unusual that proof of disposal is required for a recall payment or reimbursement.”
“Most people that have had an overheating event or a small fire will simply throw the unit away before ever thinking about contacting the manufacturer for a recall reimbursement,” said Fountain.