Anker recalls over 1.1 million power banks due to fire hazard

The Chinese company Anker Innovations, known for its smartphone accessories, has launched a major recall of a power bank. According to the manufacturer, the model named “Powercore 10000” (model number A1263) has a “potential problem with the lithium-ion battery”, which can lead to a fire hazard. Although the recall only applies in the USA, this power bank was and is also sold in Europe. It is not yet clear whether the recall will be extended to other countries, such as Germany.

Powerbanks and the integrated lithium-ion cells are considered a safety risk, especially by airlines. In recent months, more and more airlines have tightened the regulations for power banks. Passengers are no longer allowed to use and charge them during the flight. Some airlines are even banning the stowage of additional mobile batteries and e-cigarettes in the overhead compartment. At the beginning of the year, a fire broke out in an Air Busan plane at the airport of the eponymous metropolis in South Korea due to a power bank that caught fire.

1,158,000 power banks affected in the USA

Anker has now also identified the Powercore 10000 as a possible cause of the fire. According to information from the USCPSC, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Anker has reported 19 cases of fire and explosion involving this power bank, resulting in two minor burn injuries and eleven cases of property damage. According to the report, 1,158,000 units sold in the US from June 2016 to December 2022 are affected.

According to the Anker website, the Anker Powercore 10000 is no longer available in this country. New Powerbank models have apparently replaced it. However, the model with the number A1263 can still be found online, for example on Amazon and eBay. It remains to be seen why Anker is not recalling this power bank in Europe. It is possible that the recall will be expanded accordingly in the following days.

Anker websites for recalls

Anker has set up a separate website with further information for the recall in the USA. It describes how the model can be identified. First of all, there is the Anker lettering on the top, the model and serial number can be found on one of the two narrow sides. If the model number is A1263, this is the model of this power bank impacted by the recall. Anker needs the serial number to identify the power bank if the customer requests a replacement model or a voucher.

In Germany, Anker also has its website for recalls, but the Powercore 10000 is not yet listed there. The last recall was in September 2024 and concerned the powerbank with the model number A1647. There was also a fire risk here, as the battery can overheat.

(fds)