Fire hazard: Anker recalls popular powerbank

Due to an existing fire risk, the Chinese manufacturer Anker recalls a powerbank model worldwide. This is how you can tell if your device is affected.

Chinese electronics brand Anker Innovations is recalling a powerbank worldwide. Due to a “problem in the manufacturing process,” there is a fire safety risk, the manufacturer’s website states in this regard.

For the safety of its customers, the company has voluntarily decided to issue this recall, it says. Specifically, the Anker 535 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K) A1366 model is affected.

This is a rechargeable battery with 20,000 mAh capacity. Thanks to a high output power of 30 watts, it is able to quickly charge smartphones, tablets and even notebooks.

The device was advertised on the manufacturer’s website for its MultiProtect safety system, which is supposed to protect against overheating and overvoltage especially during charging.

You can check whether you own the affected model on the back of the power bank. The model number is printed there. Anyone who finds the designation A1366 here should stop using the device and have it disposed of properly instead. You can return it to the retailer, for example. Further information on this can be found here on the website of the Federal Environment Agency.

To get the purchase price back, customers must contact Anker directly using a form. This can be found here. In addition to personal data, the date of purchase, order number and proof of purchase must also be included.