As the global recall of power banks reaches alarming proportions, over 1.15 million units have been pulled from the U.S. market alone due to significant fire and explosion risks. The scope extends to Australia where at least 17 separate power bank recalls have been issued since 2020, with more than half occurring in just the last 16 months. These aren’t just obscure brands—Anker, Belkin, Cygnett, Quad Lock, and SnapWireless have all been implicated.
Major brands caught in massive power bank recall crisis spanning multiple continents and affecting over a million devices.
The incidents are far from theoretical. Anker’s PowerCore 10000 recall followed 19 documented cases of fire or explosion, resulting in 11 instances of property damage totaling over $60,700. The model was sold on major online platforms including Amazon, eBay, Newegg, and Anker’s own website between June 2016 and December 2022. The iWALK power banks proved even more dangerous, with 15 battery ignition incidents causing 10 burn injuries. I’ve examined the pattern, and it’s clear these failures mainly occur during charging cycles. The ACCC has documented serious burn injuries and property damage resulting from these overheating devices.
The culprit lies in the lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries that power these devices. Manufacturing defects, design flaws, and sometimes external damage can trigger thermal runaway, a cascading chemical reaction that rapidly releases stored energy as heat. This creates a particularly insidious hazard since an estimated 34,000 recalled units remain in Australian homes despite warnings.
Regulatory bodies have responded forcefully, with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Australia’s ACCC issuing alerts and maintaining thorough recall databases. Manufacturers offer full refunds or replacements, though many require photographic evidence of proper disposal through hazardous waste channels.
Consumers must immediately cease using affected power banks and follow model-specific disposal protocols. Tossing these devices into regular trash compounds the danger, risking fires in waste management systems. The economic impact extends beyond recalled units—CPSC estimates consumer product incidents cost over $1 trillion annually.
For those wondering if their device is affected, checking official regulatory websites provides the most reliable information. The technology’s convenience comes with responsibility; lithium battery safety depends on proper manufacturing, usage, and eventual disposal.
