March 15, 2018
Amazon Recalls Power Banks
Seattle-based Amazon, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has recalled portable power banks that can overheat and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards, according to officials. The internet retail giant has received 53 reports of the power banks overheating in the U.S. In one case, the user reported chemical burns due to contact with battery acid. Four of the reports noted property damage due to fire and smoke.
The recall involves six versions of AmazonBasics’ portable lithium-ion battery chargers/power banks: 16,100 mAh, 10,000 mAh, 5,600 mAh, 2,000 mAh with micro USB cable, 3,000 mAh and 3,000 mAh with USB micro cable. Black and rectangular, the rubberized or metallic power banks measure about 3 inches long by 1.4 inch high and 0.9 inch wide. They were sold with or without a USB charger cable and carrying pouch. The AmazonBasics logo is printed on the front and one of the six product ID numbers is printed on the back: B00LRK8EVO, B00LRK8HJ8, B00LRK817O, B00LRK8IV0, B00LRK8JDC or B00ZQ4JQAA. The power banks were made in China by Guoguang Electric Co. Limited.
The power banks were sold for between $9 and $40 on Amazon.com and in Amazon Bookstores and Amazon Pop-Up stores from December 2014 through July 2017. Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled power banks and contact Amazon for instructions on how to return the unit for a full refund. All known purchasers are being contacted directly by Amazon.