(The Epoch Times)—China-based Anker Innovations Limited has issued a recall for around 1,158,000 units of power banks sold in the United States since the lithium-ion battery can overheat, “posing fire and burn hazards to consumers,” the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said in a June 12 statement.
The recall applies to Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks with model number A1263. The items were sold online at the company website as well as through Amazon, eBay, and Newegg between June 2016 and December 2022 for roughly $27.
“Anker has received 19 reports of fires and explosions. This includes two reports of minor burn injuries not requiring medical attention and 11 reports of property damage totaling over $60,700,” the statement said.
The Anker brand name is printed on the front of the product, with the A1263 model number. Other model numbers are not part of the recall.
CPSC warned against discarding batteries in the trash or recycling bins since they pose a higher fire risk.
The agency asked consumers who have bought the recalled power banks to stop using them and get in touch with Anker to get a replacement.
“To receive a replacement, consumers will be required to submit a photo of their recalled power bank showing the model number, serial number, their name, the date of the photograph, and the word ‘recalled’ written on the power bank in permanent marker,” CPSC said.
“A purchase receipt will be requested, but will not be required to participate in the recall. Consumers will also be required to confirm disposal of the power bank in accordance with applicable laws and regulations before receiving a replacement.”
The Epoch Times reached out to Anker for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
Multiple lithium-ion battery recalls have been issued in recent months, citing fire risk.
On May 29, China-based U2O Global Co. Ltd. withdrew roughly 27,500 power banks from the United States. The company had received 15 reports of the battery catching fire, leading to 10 burn injuries.
Earlier on March 20, New York-based VC Group recalled around 89,500 units of China-manufactured power banks. There were 19 reports of the items overheating or catching fire, which resulted in 10 injuries.
Lithium Battery Risks
Lawmakers are pushing ahead with legislation to tackle the fire risks posed by lithium batteries.
On April 28, the House of Representatives passed the “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act” by a vote of 365-42.
The bipartisan bill requires the CPSC to “publish a final consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and other micro mobility devices to protect against the risk of fires caused by such batteries,” said an April 28 statement from the office of Rep. Richie Torres (D-N.Y.), who introduced the bill.
Torres called unregulated lithium-ion batteries a “clear and present threat” to public safety, urging the Senate to swiftly pass the bill and President Donald Trump to sign it into law.
Advocacy group UL Standards & Engagement welcomed the “overwhelming” House passage of the legislation in an April 29 statement.
“E-mobility battery fires are rising across the country, causing residential and building fires that have cost lives, caused injuries, and displaced people from their homes. This bipartisan legislation will help protect Americans from a growing fire risk that too many consumers know little about,” said the group’s CEO, Jeff Marootian.
“E-mobility riders deserve both safety and access to the e-bikes and e-scooters they want and need, and this legislation is a smart, bipartisan step forward. We thank the bill’s sponsors and co-sponsors for their support of this critical issue, and we urge the Senate to move quickly and pass legislation to protect American consumers.”
The bill was received in the Senate on April 29.
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.
