Amazon recalls SIX battery packs after customers report ‘chemical burns’ and property damage
The tech giant's own-branded battery packs are being binned after more than 50 users complained about overheating
AMAZON is recalling six of its own-brand power banks after a user reported receiving "chemical burns".
At least 53 people have reported "overheating" issues with the battery packs, which are used to charge up smartphones and tablets on-the-go.
The power banks are part of the AmazonBasics range, a budget line of products stamped with the Amazon logo sold in the UK and US.
They're built from rubber and metal, and can be loaded with battery charge, which can then be used to power up other devices.
But a design fault that means the battery packs can overheat has been causing havoc for Amazon customers.
Four people in the US have reported property damage due to smoke or fire, while another said that contact with leaking battery acid caused chemical burns.
The six models being recalled were produced by a Chinese firm called Guoguang Electric Company Limited.
They were all sold through Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com between December 2014 and July 2017.
All the listings on the UK site for the power banks have been pulled, and replaced with a "Sorry, we couldn't find that page" message.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning about the dangerous fault.
"Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled power banks and contact Amazon for instructions on how to return the unit and receive a full refund," it explains.
"All known purchasers are being contacted directly by the firm."
Which Amazon power banks have been recalled?
Look for the following product ID numbers on the back of your device...
- B00LRK83VO
- B00LRK8HJ8
- B00LRK8I7O
- B00LRK8IV0
- B00LRK8JDC
- B00ZQ4JQAA
The Sun understands that UK customers who bought the products will have received an e-mail with instructions on what to do.
However, there's a big risk that customers who have changed their e-mail addresses, or who don't regularly check their e-mails, could be left unaware of the fault.
This could cause a serious risk to customers who don't realise the danger of using these Amazon power banks.
If you're concerned, you can contact , who should be able to help.
Amazon says customers will have to dispose of their faulty power banks themselves.
The company recommends that customers track down their local electronic waste facility, which you can find .
We've asked Amazon the following questions:
- How many power bank units are being recalled in the UK?
- What's the process of returning faulty power banks in the UK?
- How will Amazon alert users who may have changed their e-mail address, or who don't check their messages?
The company has failed to respond to these queries so far, but we'll update this article if they provide answers.
Amazon has, however, confirmed that a refund for the faulty products will be processed within 10 working days of registration on the website.
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If you think you've got a faulty Amazon power bank, we recommend unplugging it and avoiding using it immediately.
We also recommend storing it somewhere cool, and making sure it's not pressed up against other objects, or left under covers or in bags.
Have you been contacted by Amazon about the recall? Let us know!
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