Power bank recalls are exploding (pun intended) with 17 formal recalls since 2020, nine in the past 16 months.
The ACCC recall site shows the most recent recalls.
Some are voluntary, like Anker recalls four power banks. Anker proactively initiated this, not in response to a regulatory order or a pattern of widespread incidents. Anker found a potential issue with the Lithium-ion cell provider.
Others, like Comsol (Officeworks’ home brand), were affected by a design defect that impacted most of its 2021 range.
Current Australian power bank recalls
- Anker Power Bank Model: A1257, A1647, A1681, A1689
- Baseus power bank 65W 30000 mAh (model number: BS-30KP365)
- Baseus magnetic wireless charging power banks 6000mAh 20W
- Cygnett MagMove 5K Power Bank
- Lenovo USB-C laptop power bank
- SnapWireless PowerPack Slim (Gen 1)
- Quad Lock MAG battery pack Annex Products Pty Ltd
- Belkin BoostCharge Pro fast wireless charger for Apple Watch + power bank 10K
- IKEA VARMFRONT power bank 10400 mAh dark blue AP
- Comsol 10000mAh 20W USB-A & USB-C magnetic wireless power bank
- Comsol 10000mAh Aluminium Dual Port Power Bank Model DPE10BK
- Comsol 20000mAh USB-C Laptop Power Bank 45W Model DPC20GY
- Comsol 20000mAh Aluminium Dual Port Power Bank Model DPE20GD
- Comsol 10000mAh Dual Port Power Bank Model DPS10GY
- Comsol 3600mAh Slim Power Bank
- Kogan 26800 mAh Power Bank (60W) with PD and QC 3.0
This list is a small set of global power bank recalls; please check if you have purchased any brand of power bank overseas.
What to do
- Stop using the power bank now
- Take photographs, including the model and serial number
- Do not attempt to charge it
- Move it to a safe place, preferably where there are no flammable materials within 2 metres
- Placing it in a biscuit tin or metal container with effective duct tape wrapping is safer.
- Register with the affected brand’s website for a full refund or replacement
- Do not dispose of it in the general rubbish stream. Use an e-waste facility.
CyberShack’s view: Power bank recalls are only going to get worse
CyberShack now refuses to review any Lithium-ion power banks as they are all potential bombs. Read Is there a safe way to charge Lithium-ion batteries?
Also read Planes and power banks – FAA/TSA rules enforced (Urgent update off-grid)
We applaud Laser Co for leading the charge to ChargeCore SafeCharge Max power banks use LiFePO4 for safety.
Ankler Solix is releasing its 90,000mAh/288Wh/300W LiFePO4 C300 DC power bank capable of 2 x 140W USB-C PD 3.1 charging. It makes no excuse for the size, as LiFeP04 batteries take up more space.
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