Belkin recalls nearly 85,000 power banks due to fire risk — see if yours is affected
Belkin is recalling two versions of its 20,000mAh BoostCharge USB-C PD Power Bank and its Auto Tracking Stand Pro for the iPhone. The company issued the recall because a “manufacturing defect may cause the products’ lithium-ion cell components to overheat, which could pose a fire hazard to consumers.”
There has only been one report of a fire in the United States, but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received 15 reports of fires and burn injuries from other countries which resulted in $37,765 in property damage.
What to do if your device is recalled?
The recalled devices can be identified by their model numbers, which are printed on the bottom of the charger. The power banks have the model numbers BPB002 and PB0003 while the Auto-Tracking Stand Pro has the model number MMA008.
Belkin and the CPSC are urging owners to stop using the devices immediately and reach out to Belkin for either a complete refund or store credit for the full price of the device plus a 20% bonus from the company’s online store.
You can find a recall claim form on Belkin’s website, which does request a valid receipt and the device’s serial number (also found on the bottom) to “expedite” the refund process.
Proper disposal
Once you’ve filed a claim, you’ll need to properly dispose of the power bank or stand. Do not throw it in the trash or your recycling bin. Lithium-ion batteries pose a greater fire risk in normal trash, and this is especially true for recalled devices. For this reason, it’s also not recommended that you drop off recalled lithium batteries at retailers or home improvement stores. The recycling drop-offs at these stores are not designed to properly handle lithium-ion devices like power banks.
Your local city should have a household hazardous waste center that will accept lithium-ion devices for disposal. We do recommend calling your municipality as some HHW centers do not accept electronics or only accept them on certain days or during specific hours.
Belkin power bank alternatives
Belkin makes some good power banks in general, but if you’re looking for an alternative, we’ve tested the best power banks for every use case.
Below, I’ve highlighted three worth considering including one for your iPhone, a budget-friendly charger and the best portable charger for those on the go.
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