Electronics manufacturer Anker announced the official recall of Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Banks, with model A1263 on June 12. The company has received 19 reports of sudden fires and explosions of portable chargers.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 1.1 million recalls were affected by the product sold in the United States. The company plans to replace the charging device, but customers must submit photo evidence of ownership and prove that they have properly processed the PowerCore device.
The Power Bureau is manufactured in China and is now one of four current electricity bank recalls issued by Anker. Others include a 334 MAGGO 10K battery, a 321 power library (5K) and a 535 Power Bank (20K). Other ANKER models, including CNET’s top choice for two portable chargers – the Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD and the Anker PowerCore III 10K – are not affected by the recall.
Airlines have noticed portable battery hazards. Recently, Southwest Airlines has changed its policy on charging devices in carry-on bags. Some international airlines have also begun to limit the type of aircraft due to the risk of overheating.
How to check if your Anker PowerCore is recalled
Anker said the affected products were the A1263 model of the PowerCore 10000 Power Bank purchased between June 1, 2016 and December 31, 2022.
Customers can verify their serial number on the web page provided by Anker. The serial number is at the bottom of the device.
When entering that number, Anker recommends “Note the letters and numbers in the serial numbers: ‘1’, ‘l’, ‘i’, ‘i’, ‘2’ and z’. Note that characters such as ‘0 (zero)’ and ‘o’ (o) may be entered incorrectly. Regarding the serial number of the target product, ‘o””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
What to do if your Anker PowerCore is recalled
In addition to instructing customers to stop using the charger immediately, CPSC and ANKER issued requirements for receiving replacement power computer equipment.
They include:
- A photo of the recalled device was submitted, which showed the model number, serial number, consumer name, the date of the photo, and the word “recall” written with a permanent mark on the device. Information on the device that is not on the device can be placed on paper next to the device in the photo.
- Submit a purchase receipt, although CPSC said it was not a request for a recall.
- “Confirm the disposal equipment in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.” Anker advises not to dispose of equipment until confirmation of eligible recall is received.
- From Anker: “If the serial number is worn or invisible, please contact Anker for guidance.”
- Anker recommends contacting a local hazardous waste collection center rather than disposing it in a trash can or through standard recycling services.
- Regarding other questions, Anker said customers can email support@anker.com in the subject line or call 800-988-7973.
Why portable chargers can become a travel hazard
The same reason why portable charging banks are so easy to carry around is part of the reason why they have problems. Most use lithium-ion technology, which can be used to make battery-based products lighter and more effective, but if the battery is damaged or downgraded, it is also susceptible to overheating or even fire.
This is no different from the cheap batteries that spontaneously burn on a swingboard, reported a decade ago. Ultimately, the product is banned on aircraft and in some cases transport is prohibited.
“These products are usually unhesitant and are not considered dangerous by the average consumer,” said civil trial attorney Don Fountain. Fountain is currently representing a case involving a portable battery that does not involve Anker.
“My company deals with fires and explosions caused by lithium batteries in a variety of products, including power tools, electronic bikes, phones, scooters, children’s toys, battery packs, etc.,” Fountain said. “I would like to warn consumers not to store or use these products in narrow or unventilated areas that can cause overheating and not to plug these products into home electrical systems for a long time, such as overnight or on vacation.”
The fountain said combustion batteries are particularly dangerous in huts where cargoes are held or airplanes, where it can be difficult to put out a fire.
In the case of Anker recall, clients do not always retain proof of purchase, although not required in this case, the lawyer said. However, he said: “It is unusual to prove that a recall payment or reimbursement requires disposal.”
“Most people with overheating events or small fires will just abandon the department and then consider contacting the manufacturer for reimbursement for the recall,” Fountain said.
