Anker, a well-known manufacturer of portable electronics, has recalled a lot of its PowerCore 10000 power banks (model number A1263) after many reports of fires and explosions.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently warned that more than 1.1 million of these devices sold in the U.S. are affected from June 1, 2016, until December 31, 2022. There were 19 instances of overheating, some of which led to fires, which led to the recall.
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Why the Recall Was Issued
The PowerCore 10000 power banks are made in China and use lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are great because they are efficient and easy to carry, but they also have some concerns, especially if they get damaged or wear out over time. If the conditions are improper, these batteries might get too hot, catch fire, or even blow up.
Anker has had problems like this before. The company has also pulled back three more battery-related items:
- 334 MagGo 10K batteries
- 321 Power Bank (5K)
- 535 Power Bank (20K)
Southwest Airlines and a few other foreign airlines have changed their rules about portable power banks. They now limit the sorts of batteries that can be carried on board.
How to Check if Your Device Is Affected
To see if your PowerCore 10000 is part of the recall, look for the model number A1263 on the bottom of the device. Anker has also made an online tool that lets you check the serial number.
Be careful while typing in the serial number because some letters and numbers seem the same, such as the letter “O” and the number “0.” Anker says that the serial numbers of the concerned items do not have letters like “O” and “I” in them to avoid confusion.
Steps to Take if You Own a Recalled Device
If your Anker PowerCore 10000 is on the list of recalled items, stop using it right away. Anker and the CPSC say you need to do the following to get a free replacement:
- Send in a clear picture of the gadget that shows:
- Number of the model
- Number in series
- Your name
- The day the picture was taken
- The phrase “recalled” is written in permanent marker on the gadget or on a piece of paper next to it.
- Receipt for purchase: It’s helpful to send in a receipt, but it’s not required for this recall.
- Proof of safe disposal: Customers must show that the device was thrown away in a way that follows local regulations. Anker said that people should not throw away the power bank or put it in conventional recycling bins. Instead, take the gadget to a nearby hazardous waste collection centre and hold on to it until Anker confirms that you can use it.
If your serial number is worn out or unreadable, get in touch with Anker directly for more help.
Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Pose a Risk
People use lithium-ion batteries a lot in everyday electronics since they are light and can be recharged. But they can also be unstable if they aren’t made, managed, or stored correctly. When you add heat, a small place, and bad air flow, bad things can happen.
Attorney Don Fountain, who specialises in product liability, said that people often don’t realise how dangerous battery-powered devices may be. He said, “These products are usually not very noticeable, and the average person doesn’t think they could be dangerous.”
Fountain also said that a lot of people throw away broken equipment without telling the manufacturers, especially if there has already been a fire. He said, “It’s not common for proof of disposal to be needed for a recall reimbursement.”
Final Thoughts
If you have an Anker PowerCore 10000 (model A1263), verify the serial number. If it is part of the recall, stop using it right away. The firm will send you a new one, but you must follow the directions for taking the photo and throwing it away. When working with lithium-ion battery goods, safety should always come first, especially those that have been known to catch fire or explode.
To keep your house and family secure, remain up to date on the news and follow the right ways to get rid of things.
