Warning: Charging powerbanks sold at Amazon, Best Buy and Target recalled for fire risk
Power banks are handy, whether around the house or on a camping trip. Most are incredibly small and fit into a bag easily. When you aren’t close to a power socket or car charger, a powerbank can be a lifesaver. Tap or click here to see a power bank that can charge three devices simultaneously.
When you buy items like powerbanks, you expect a certain level of safety. Unfortunately, some have recently been recalled due to serious fire risks.
Read on to see which models pose a danger and what you should do if you own one.
Here’s the backstory
You must take heed if you own a myCharge powerbank. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received 30 reports of seven different models overheating during use. Increased temperature can lead to them igniting, causing burns and potential fires.
Just under 70,000 units have been sold across the country through various stores, including Best Buy, Target, Power Sales and Amazon. Reported injuries range from burns to the upper body and hands to damaging household flooring, walls and furniture.
The recalled power banks include:
- Adventure Mega, model AVC20KG-A with date codes 2818, 3718, 4018, or 4518
- Adventure Mega C, model AVCQC20KG-A with date code 2818
- Razor Mega, model RZ20KK-A with date codes 3818, 4118, 4418, 4918, or 1719
- Razor Mega C, model RZQC20KK-A with date code 3818
- Razor Super, model RZ24NK-A with date code 0319
- Razor Super C, model RZQC24NK-A with date codes 3319 or 3519
- Razor Xtreme, model RZPD26BK-A with date codes 2818, 3718, or 3918
This recall is the latest in a slew of products that are unsafe for use. A recent CPSC recall removed Lightform projectors from the market. While only 1,600 of the projectors were sold, several have overheated. This has led to 16 reports, and thankfully no injuries have been recorded.
Late last month, a 5-drawer chest from Magnussen Home was found to pose a tipping-over risk. About 13,200 units have been sold around the country, and one report stated that a child suffered bruises.
What you should do next
Like all products in a recall, you must stop using it immediately. In the case of myCharge powerbanks, you should contact the company directly for instructions on returning the battery.
Call myCharge at 888-251-2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or email at compliance@mycharge.com. Contacting the company will entitle you to an electronic voucher for the full value of the powerbank and a 25% bonus that can be used on the company site.
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Tags: Amazon, battery, burns, Consumer Product Safety Commission, injuries, Overheating, Power banks, recall, safety