Is your power bank safe? Recalls prompt ACCC warning

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is urging consumers to check their portable power banks following an increase in the number of products being recalled. 

Since 2020, the ACCC's Product Safety website has published 17 different power bank recalls. Of these 17, nine were recalled in the last 16 months.

Affected brands include Anker, Baseus, SnapWireless, Quadlock, Cygnett, and more. 

The ACCC is concerned that around 34,000 of the recalled power banks are still in the possession of consumers.

ACCC Deputy Chair, Catriona Lowe said, “Some consumers have suffered serious burn injuries, and some have had their property damaged because of power banks overheating and catching fire."

“Most incidents have occurred when the power bank is charging a phone or other device, which makes it more likely that they will be close to the user when they fail, increasing the likelihood of injuries.”

Suppliers of the recalled power banks are offering a full refund or free replacement on these products, so you shouldn't fear being out of pocket. 

Consumers should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for storing lithium-ion batteries in a cool, dry place. They can be highly flammable, and products that have defects or are stored incorrectly can catch alight, explode, or vent toxic gases.

The ACCC recommends people avoid charging power banks on flammable materials, including beds, sofas and carpets. You should never use power banks that are damaged, overheating, swelling, leaking or venting gas.

If a product you own is on the recall list, you should:

1. Stop using it
2. Keep it out of reach of kids
3. Contact the supplier to receive a repair, replacement or refund

Recalled power banks that the ACCC is monitoring closely include:

• 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
• SnapWireless PowerPack Slim (Gen 1)
• Quad lock MAG battery pack
• Belkin BoostCharge Pro fast wireless charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K
• Cygnett MagMove 5K Power Bank

You can see the full list of consumer product recalls for power banks here.

Dylan Crismale

Digital Content Editor

Dylan Crismale is a Digital Content Editor at WhistleOut, has been writing for almost a decade across a variety of Australian publications. He previously worked as a writer at Finder covering energy, internet and mobile plans. Dylan is passionate about finding the best deals to save people money and educating people about tech. When he's not sat at his desk Dylan loves working out, bingeing TV and hanging out with friends.​

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