Anker’s safety ordeal concerning multiple portable chargers has entered a new stage, with U.S. regulators broadening recall efforts and incident numbers growing. If you have an affected model, the advice from safety regulators and the company is clear: Stop using it, verify that your unit qualifies and make plans for a fix.
What’s new in the latest notice from U.S. regulators
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a further recall of five Anker power banks where the battery can overheat, melt or ignite. The update now names 33 fire or explosion incidents involving these models, with a few minor burn injuries being reported as well as at least one instance of substantial property damage. About 481,000 units are covered by this action, the agency said.
- What’s new in the latest notice from U.S. regulators
- Which power bank models are affected by this recall
- What owners can do right now to stay safe and compliant
- Why these lithium-ion batteries failed in certain packs
- The aviation rules are getting tighter on battery safety
- What this means for Anker owners and frequent travelers
Which power bank models are affected by this recall
The new recall includes these models:
- Anker Power Bank model A1257
- Anker Power Bank model A1647
- Anker MagGo Power Bank model A1652
- Anker Zolo Power Bank model A1681
- Anker Zolo Power Bank model A1689
The recalls come after a previous recall of the Anker A1263 PowerCore 10000, which was associated with 19 reports of fires or explosions, resulting in some minor injuries and more than $60,000 in documented property damage. The A1263 was a top seller, with more than one million units sold via major online retailers as well as Anker’s website.
What owners can do right now to stay safe and compliant
Stop using the power bank instantly if your unit is included in this list. Check the model number, which is printed on the back of the device, to see if it’s eligible and reach out to Anker’s recall support. In response, the company is providing replacements or gift cards as fixes, depending on the model and stock.
Do not throw a recalled battery pack in the trash or standard recycling. The Environmental Protection Agency and local officials consider damaged or potentially defective lithium-ion batteries hazardous waste. Do not put them in the trash, but contact your local Household Hazardous Waste collection program for drop-off guidelines instead. In the meantime, keep the unit stored in a metal container (a biscuit tin or ammo box will do) at a safe distance from heat sources and flammables, and don’t charge it.
Why these lithium-ion batteries failed in certain packs
Anker has linked the problem to lithium-ion cells from just one supplier, though it hasn’t publicly spelled out what went wrong. Independent imaging by Lumafield, which CT-scanned affected packs, suggested the risk may originate from a design weakness that could enable internal terminals to short if the pack is jolted or compressed in daily use. In lithium-ion systems, even brief internal shorts can induce thermal runaway — an increasing heat feedback loop that is tough to stop once started.
It’s not just Anker that does this. Regulators and aviation safety groups have long cautioned that battery packs like these are the top source of consumer lithium incidents. The Federal Aviation Administration documents hundreds of smoke and fire incidents in aircraft batteries each year, showing how slight design and manufacturing errors can have enormous effects.
The aviation rules are getting tighter on battery safety
Regulators and airlines are reacting. China’s aviation regulator has banned passengers from carrying the recalled power banks, as well as any units that do not bear the necessary China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark following a string of high-profile cabin incidents, including one on an Air Busan flight where a fire broke out and another aboard Hong Kong Airlines, which was forced to make an emergency diversion. Certain carriers, like Singapore Airlines, have already banned using power banks to charge personal devices in midair; yet other airlines (Southwest Airlines is among those) ask for these packs to be kept in view while they’re being used.
What this means for Anker owners and frequent travelers
Recalls are a hassle, but they also indicate that the safety net is functioning. Anker has, in the past at least, had a history of taking quality control fairly seriously and working closely with CPSC is standard operating procedure when problems are identified. The practical advice for consumers is straightforward: if your power bank is affected, stop using it. Get a new one or your money back, toss the old one correctly and get over it.
If you use a power bank on a regular basis, it’s important to look for one that has strong safety certifications and clear labeling (so you understand what you’re buying) as well as a body built to withstand stress from drops and other damage. And treat all of it with care: don’t crush or puncture a pack, keep them away from prolonged heat and don’t charge the battery under pillows or on combustible surfaces. The best risk management is prevention.