Recall warning: Phone charger is a fire risk - Do you own it?

Prices on new tech gadgets can be hard to swallow. After all, who wants to spend thousands of dollars on a new 4K TV or computer?

But if you’re opting for inexpensive tech accessories to cut costs, you could be asking for trouble. Not all accessories are built with the same quality control, and cheap options are often recalled due to safety issues. These phone chargers that were recently recalled due to being fire hazards are just one example.

There’s another recall happening right now that you need to know about. In this case, a wireless charging stand is a major fire risk. If you own this charger, you need to take action right now. Here’s what you need to know.

The wireless charging stand recall

Do you have a Belkin “Portable Wireless Charger + Stand Special Edition” sitting on your nightstand or desk? If so, you should unplug it ASAP. These chargers are under recall due to a dangerous fire risk. If you leave them plugged into a power source, you’re risking a fire in your home.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the fire risk is due to a manufacturing defect in the power supply unit. This defect can cause the charger to malfunction and overheat, posing fire and shock hazards. No injuries have been reported yet, but you don’t want to take the risk.

Unsure as to whether you own this charger? This particular product is the power bank and charging stand in one. It has a 10,000 mAh power capacity and wireless charging capabilities of up to 10W when docked. 

The package includes the Portable Wireless Charger + Stand Special Edition and an external power supply. They are black or white in color with “Belkin” printed on the front of the stand and the power bank. 

These wireless chargers were sold from several locations, including Apple stores worldwide, online at www.apple.com and Belkin.com from July 2020 through October 2020. The retail price was about $80. 

About 2,280 of these Belkin wireless charger stands are under recall, so be sure to check any Belkin charging stand that you own. Anyone who has this charger in their possession should immediately stop using it. Leaving it connected to a power source puts you at risk of serious safety hazards. 

Once you’ve unplugged the unit, contact Belkin for instructions on safe disposal. You can reach Belkin at 800-223-5546 anytime or online at www.belkin.com via the Support button at the top of the page. The company is also offering a full refund or credit toward the purchase of another product.

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Don’t use this Apple charger: Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro magnetic charging power bank contains bisphenol A (BPA). The chemical used in plastics is linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues and even cancer. The warning is buried at the bottom of the fine print nobody reads — that’s why I read it for you!

Urgent fire risk recall: For Belkin BoostCharge Pro fast wireless chargers. The iPhone and Apple Watch power pack launched in May 2023. Look for model number BPD005 on the back of your charging pad, and if you have one, stop using it immediately and fill out the refund form.