21-04-2025
NY firm recalls 430,000 portable power banks over fears they could overheat and catch fire during use
Nearly half a million portable power banks have been recalled over fears they could catch fire.
A total of 429,000 Casely 'Power Pods' have been ordered back due to their lithium-ion batteries potentially overheating, expanding, or bursting into flames during use.
The New York-based manufacturer has received 51 reports of faulty batteries resulting in at least six minor burn injuries.
Do you have one? The recalled Casely Power Pods, which have a battery capacity of 5000mAh, can be identified by their model number, E33A, located on the back of the device
The recalled Casely Power Pods, which have a battery capacity of 5000mAh, can be identified by their model number, E33A, located on the back of the device.
The wireless phone chargers were manufactured in China and sold on Amazon, and other websites between March 2022 and September 2024 for between $30 and $70.
The defective charger has since been pulled from Amazon and Casely's website.
Consumers in possession of these chargers, which came in a variety of colors and prints, are urged to stop using them immediately and contact Casely for a free replacement.
'Casely is committed to its customers' safety and, out of an abundance of caution, has taken proactive measures to remove potentially faulty products from circulation,' Casely wrote in its recall announcement.
'If your Power Pod qualifies, we will replace it with a brand-new unit at no cost to you.'
The recall was issued on April 17 by Casely.
To receive a free replacement, consumers will have to fill out a form online - and submit photos of the recalled charger they own, with the word 'Recalled' and the date written on it in permanent marker.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Casely also stress that lithium-ion battery devices should not be thrown away in the trash or general recycling bins - instructing consumers to look up local guidance for disposal.
The CPSC also reminded users not to dispose of the battery pack in regular trash or standard battery recycling bins to avoid sparking another fire.
Lithium battery fires have seen a 'significant increase,' according to the Columbia, Maryland-based research institute.
'Even when the initial cause of a fire is not a lithium-ion battery,' FSRI's executive director Steve Kerber noted, 'their involvement can increase the intensity and speed of the fire.'
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found in 2021 that lithium-ion battery fires in waste management facilities have caused 245 separate fires across 28 states, leading to entire buildings burning down in some cases.
Recycling centers, the EPA noted, were at a particularly high risk of these fires.
