- A range of Anker energy banks has been recalled as risk of fire
- Many fires and injuries have been reported
- The total number of assigned devices could amount to almost half a million
Earlier this year, Anker has published a recall for a crowd of his best electricity banks, revealing that they contained faults that potentially made a risk of fire. Now the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) has revealed the extent of the recall.
We did not know before how many electricity banks have been affected by this problem, but the USCPSC website now explains that around 481,000 units could be in danger. This means that there could be a large number of people potentially in possession of dangerous electricity banks.
And it’s not just speculation. Anker apparently received 33 fire reports or explosions related to recalled electricity banks, resulting in four minor injuries and an example of “substantial material damage”. If you have one of these electricity banks, you should have it as soon as you can.
The impacted devices have model numbers A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681 and A1689 (you can see their full names below). You can check if your electric bank is assigned by checking its serial number on the Anker website. Anker will then provide you with information about how to return or have the food bank.
- Anker Zolo Model A1681 (20k, 30 Watt, with integrated USB-C and Lightning cables)
- Anker Zolo Model A1689 (20k, 30 Watt, with integrated 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, 20,000mAh, with integrated USB-C cable)
In addition, the USCPSC says that you should not throw your device in the trash, place it in a recycling box by the street or take it to a recycling point in a retail store due to the risk of fire.
Instead, you must contact your nearest dangerous hazardous waste collection center to see if they will accept the recalled power bank. Otherwise, your municipality should be able to provide additional information.
How to check
The good news is that you will not be left high and dry without a food bank. According to the USCPSC, if you are assigned, you can contact ANKER for a full cash refund. Alternatively, you could rather receive an Anker gift card.
In order to receive one of these options, you will first need to check that your food bank is one of the affected people (see model numbers above). You will then need to submit your proof of purchase using the reminder submission form for Anker products, including a photo of your recalled food bank.
This image must show the model number and the standard of the electric bank, should also include your name and the date on which the photo has been taken, and you must also write the word “recalled” in a permanent marker on the food bank itself.
Once this is all done, you should be able to get rid of the affected device. If you think your electricity bank is in danger, aims to bring it back or eliminate as soon as possible.