- A number of anchor power banks have been revoked as a fire hazards
- Several fires have been reported and damage
- The total number of affected devices could make up nearly half a million
Earlier this year, Anker issued a recall for a number of his best power banks, which revealed that they contained deficiencies that potentially made them a fire risk. Now the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) has revealed the extent of the recall.
We did not know in the past how many power banks were affected by this problem, but the USCPSC’s website now explains that about 481,000 units could be in danger. This means that there can be a large number of people who potentially possess dangerous power banks.
And this is not just speculation. Anker has apparently received 33 reports of fire or explosions related to the recalled power banks, resulting in four minor combustion damage and an example of “substantial property damage.” If you have one of these power banks, dispose of it as soon as you can.
Affected devices have the model numbers A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681 and A1689 (you can see their full names below). You can check if your power bank is affected by verifying its serial number on the anchor’s website. Anker will then give you information on how to return or dispose of the power bank.
- Anker Zolo Model A1681 (20K, 30-Watt, with built-in USB-C and lightning cables)
- Anker Zolo Model A1689 (20K, 30-Watt, with built-in USB-C cable)
- Anker Maggo Model A1652 (7.5-watt, 10,000 mAh)
- Anker Power Bank Model A1257 (10K, 22.5-Watt)
- Anker Power Bank Model A1647 (22.5-watt, 20,000 mAh, with built-in USB-C cable)
In addition, the USCPSC says you may not throw your device into the Recycle Bin, place it in a recycling box on the street or take it to a recycling point at a retail store due to the risk of fire.
Instead, contact your nearest municipal household center for household -hazardous waste to see if they will accept the recalled Power Bank. If not, your municipality should be able to offer additional information.
How to check
The good news is that you do not get high and dry without a force bank. According to the USCPSC, if you are affected, you can contact Anker for a full cash refund. Alternatively, you can receive an anchor gift card instead.
To receive one of these settings, first check your Power Bank is one of the affected (see model numbers above). You then need to submit your proof of purchases using anchor’s form for submission of product recall, including a photo of your recalled Power Bank.
This image should show Power Bank’s model number and serial number should also include your name and the date the photograph was taken, and you should also write the word ‘remembered’ in permanent marker at the power bank itself.
When all this is done, you should be able to get rid of the affected device. If you think your power bank is in danger, aim to get it back or disposed of as soon as possible.
