Anker hasAnnounces recall of its PowerCore 10000 power banks(Model A1263) due to a "potential problem with its lithium-ion battery" that could pose a fire safety hazard.According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC), the company has received 19 reports of fires and explosions that caused minor burns and property damage totaling more than $60,700.
The recall affects approximately 1,158,000 products that were sold online through Amazon, Newegg and eBay between June 2016 and December 2022. Affected batteries can be identified by the Anker logo engraved on the side and the model number A1263 printed on the bottom. However, Anker is only recalling products sold in the United States with the required serial numbers. To see if your product is included, visit the Anker website:
https://www.anker.com/a1263-recall-form?ranMID=43469
Anker is offering affected consumers two options: a $30 gift card (recalled batteries cost about $27), available at Anker.com, or a free 10,000mAh Anker power bank (model number A1388) with upgraded features including a charge level display and a USB-C charging cable lanyard.
To receive a gift card or replacement part, Anker requires users to submit "a photo of the power bank clearly marked with the date of submission and the words 'Recall' or 'Recalled' written in permanent marker" and "a photo showing the model number and serial number (SN) printed on the bottom of the device." The company also requires users to provide purchase receipts, but participation in the recall is not mandatory.
After confirming that your power bank is part of the recall, Anker says it should be sent to a facility that can safely handle lithium-ion batteries due to the risk of fire. You can find these agencies through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website or other U.S. agencies that specialize in handling e-waste. Do not dispose of in trash cans, recycling bins or old battery boxes provided at various retail stores.
The recall is also a reminder that since these devices are nearly a decade old, serious issues can develop with power banks and backup batteries over time. If you regularly use a device with a lithium-ion battery for a period of time, you need to be aware of issues such as overheating or significant swelling, and deal with them appropriately if you think there is a potential problem. While solid-state batteries are currently more expensive than lithium-ion batteries, you may also consider upgrading to solid-state batteries, which are more powerful, safer, and more durable than the batteries we commonly use to power our devices today.