Amazon has issued a major product recall for more than 200,000 portable power banks sold through its platform, following reports of the devices overheating and catching fire.
Specific Models and Serious Risks Identified
The recall, officially announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), targets the INIU 10,000mAh portable power bank, model BI-b41. These devices were sold on Amazon between August 2021 and April 2022.
The core issue lies with the lithium-ion batteries inside the power banks, which can overheat, ignite, and pose a significant fire and burn hazard to consumers. Authorities have linked the faulty products to 15 reported incidents. These include 11 fires, three cases of minor burn injuries, and property damage exceeding $380,000.
How to Identify a Recalled Power Bank
Consumers are urged to check their devices immediately. The recalled INIU power banks are black or blue in colour and feature the INIU logo alongside a distinctive paw-print shaped LED indicator light.
The recall specifically affects units with the following serial numbers:
- 000G21
- 000H21
- 000I21
- 000L21
Immediate Steps for Consumers
The CPSC and INIU advise owners to stop using the recalled power banks at once. They should not attempt to charge them or leave them plugged in unattended.
For a full refund, customers must visit the official INIU recall website and follow the instructions provided. It is crucial that the devices are disposed of properly due to the battery risk. Owners should contact their local waste collection centre for guidance on safe disposal and should not simply throw the power banks in the household bin.
This recall highlights the ongoing importance of product safety for popular consumer electronics, especially items containing lithium-ion batteries that are purchased online. Customers who bought the device during the specified period should act promptly to ensure their safety.
