Anker Power Banks: The Fire Risk You Might Be Carrying Around

Anker, a well-known electronics company, has pulled 1. 1 million of its PowerCore 10000 portable chargers from the market. The recall, announced in June, is due to reports of these devices catching fire or exploding. The affected model is the A1263, sold between June 2016 and December 2022. This isn't Anker's first rodeo with power bank recalls. They've also recalled other models like the 334 MagGo 10K, 321 Power Bank (5K), and 535 Power Bank (20K). But don't worry, popular models like the Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD and Anker PowerCore III 10K are safe to use. So, how do you know if your Anker PowerCore is part of the recall? Check the model number and serial number on the bottom of your device. Anker has a webpage where you can enter these details to see if your charger is affected. Be careful when entering the serial number. Some letters and numbers look similar, like '1' and 'L', or 'O' and '0'. The recalled devices don't use 'O' or 'I' in their serial numbers. If your PowerCore is recalled, don't panic. But do stop using it immediately. Anker and the Consumer Products Safety Commission have a process for getting a replacement. First, you'll need to prove you own the device. Take a photo of it with the model number, serial number, and your name visible. Write "recalled" on the device in permanent marker. You'll also need to show that you've disposed of the device properly. Anker suggests contacting a local hazardous waste collection center for this. Why are portable chargers a risk? Most use lithium-ion technology. This makes them lightweight and efficient, but also prone to overheating or fires if damaged or degraded. Remember the hoverboard fires a decade ago? Same issue. These devices can be dangerous, especially in confined spaces like airplane cabins. So, be cautious with your portable chargers. Don't leave them plugged in for too long, and don't use them in unventilated areas. Anker's recall process is a bit unusual. They require proof of disposal, which is not typical. Most people might just throw away a faulty device without contacting the manufacturer. But in this case, you'll need to follow Anker's instructions to get a replacement. If you have any questions, Anker's customer support is available via email or phone.