Power banks have become one of those smartphone accessories that many can't live without. True, today's smartphone batteries will usually get you through a full day, but for those who have an older phone, or using a battery draining app like Google Maps, it's a good idea to follow the Boy Scouts and "Be Prepared." Earlier this year one of the leading manufacturers of power banks, Anker, had to recall some of its products.
What makes power banks such a potential hazard are the lithium-ion batteries
The problem with power banks, according to the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA), is with the lithium-ion batteries. The FAA says, "all lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating and undergoing a process called thermal runaway. Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed. Thermal runaway can also occur on its own due to manufacturing defects."
Now comes word that over 200,000 power banks sold on Amazon have been recalled because they are a burn and fire hazard. The U.S. Product Safety Commission has issued a recall of power banks made by INIU. The model recalled is the INIU BI-B41 Power Banks. The documentation says, "The lithium-ion battery in the recalled power banks can overheat and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers." Consumers who purchased the recalled accessory are entitled to a refund.
The recalled INIU power bank. | Image credit-INIU
The recalled unit has been the cause of 11 fires and has caused over $380,000 in property damage
The model in question is a 10000mAh power bank manufactured in China by Shenzhen Topstar Industry Co., Ltd. The recalled units sport a black or blue case, feature the INIU logo, and have a paw-print LED light on the front. The serial numbers of the recalled INIU power banks are 000G21, 000H21, 000I21 and 000L21. You can find the serial number and the model number printed on the back of the power bank at the bottom.
INIU has received 15 reports of its power bank overheating which includes 11 reports of fires that left three users burned and the issue has caused over $380,000 worth of property damage. The Product Safety Commission says, "Consumers should stop using the recalled power banks immediately and visit INIU’s recall page at https://iniushop.com/pages/recall-b41 to verify the product serial number and register for a full refund."
The recalled power banks were sold exclusively by Amazon USA from August 2021 to April 2022 for about $18. If you purchased one of these power banks do not toss it in the trash. To get rid of the accessory, you must follow a certain procedure. The recall notice says, "Recalled lithium-ion batteries must be disposed of differently than other batteries, because they present a greater risk of fire."
Have you ever owned a power bank that was recalled?
Yes. I did not get hurt or have any property damage.
0%
Yes. I did get hurt and I suffered property damage.
0%
No, thankfully.
100%
The notice goes on to say, "Your municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center may accept this recalled lithium-ion battery or device for disposal. Before taking your battery or device to a HHW collection center, contact that office ahead of time and ask whether it accepts recalled lithium-ion batteries. If it does not, contact your municipality for further guidance."
You need this information to submit a claim for your refund
If you submit a recall claim from the INIU website, which you can go by tapping on this link, your claim will be processed and you will receive a full refund or an Amazon gift card for the amount you spent on the recalled power bank.
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Now keep in mind that you are not going to be sending back the recalled power bank. After you go to the above link, you can fill out the application for your refund right from your phone, tablet, or computer. You will need the following information:
(1) Your contact information. (2) Proof of purchase between August 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. (3) A photo of the recalled portable charger with your name, submission date, and six-digit unique code written on the back of the product in permanent marker.
All of this information can be typed or uploaded directly to the online form. When you're done, press the button to submit your claim and simply await your refund. You might want to replace your old power bank.
Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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