Anker Recalls 535 Power Banks Due to Fire Concerns

The power bank may be the probable cause of a house fire in Maryland.

April Fowell, Tech Times 16 February 2023, 10:02 am

Anker will recall over a few Anker 535 power banks, as reported by The Verge. The recalls comes after the discovery of manufacturing defect that can result in overheating, which poses a potential fire hazard. 

The recall notice states that company discovered a fault on a small number of Anker 535 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K) batteries, model A1366. Anker is now working with local government agencies to help with a full voluntary product recall. 

Probable Cause of House Fire in Maryland

It is believed that the power bank may be the cause of a house fire in Washington County, Maryland in the previous week, which was reported by Macrumors. 

The fire came from a packed suitcase that contained an Anker 535 Power Bank. There were no other electrical devices or anything that could have caused the fire. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. 

Anker recommends that users stop using the device and store it in a safe location until it can be disposed of properly at a facility that accepts Lithium batteries. With this, the company is offering refunds for affected customers. However, customers will need to present proof of purchase and an order number to get a refund. 

To determine the model of Anker Power Bank that you have, you can check the text located on the bottom of the battery.

How to Safely Dispose of Lithium Batteries

1. Find a local recycling center that accepts lithium batteries. Call ahead to make sure they accept them, and ask about any special requirements or fees.

2. Place the battery in a sealed plastic bag or box to prevent short-circuiting.

3. Do not attempt to open, disassemble, or puncture the battery.

4. Do not dispose of the battery in the trash.

5. Do not attempt to recharge the battery.

6. Do not leave the battery exposed to high temperatures.

7. Do not place the battery near an open flame or heat source.

8. Take the battery to your local recycling center, or contact your local waste management department for more information on safe disposal.

Power Banks and Fires

Power banks can be a great source of portable energy, but they can also pose a safety risk if not used properly. The most important thing to remember when using a power bank is to ensure that the battery is in good condition and not damaged in any way.

It is also important to make sure the power bank is not overcharging or over-discharging, as this can lead to overheating and potentially fire. It is also important to keep the power bank away from water and other liquids, as this can also lead to a fire hazard.

Additionally, it is important to read the instructions and safety warnings that come with the power bank and follow them closely.