Anker recently announced that it is voluntarily recalling its 535 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K), as it can pose a fire and safety risk due to an overheating issue.
The 535 Power Bank retailed for $110, and it provided a 19,200mAh capacity with charging up to 60W. Anker advertised it for laptop devices. Model A1366 is the device that's being recalled, with the model number listed on the bottom of the battery.
Anker is working with local government agencies to ensure a safe recall process, and it is asking all customers who own the Anker 535 Power Bank to stop using the device and dispose of it at a facility that accepts lithium batteries.
According to Anker, a small number of devices are affected. One of the 535 Power Banks was cited as the "most probable cause" of a house fire in Maryland last week. The fire began in a suitcase that contained the Power Bank, which had been used the previous week. There were no other electrical devices in the suitcase that would have started a fire.
After disposal, customers who purchased one of the power banks can initiate a refund through the Anker website. An order number will be required, as will proof of purchase.
Can someone explain to me what happened with Anker and why the consensus has become negative these days?
I used to buy Anker cables but I just stick to OEM Apple or Belkin these days anyway. I bought a battery bank from Mophie instead recently too.
I’m just surprised because a few months ago everybody was positive about Anker?
They’ve been getting some bad press. People are quick to change their minds about something but I don’t see any change in the quality of their charging products. I don’t know about all the other things they make.
Most of the bad press I’ve seen is from their camera brand, Eufy. I think that’s where some of the Chinese spy comments are coming from. They’ve have some significant privacy issues with how they’re handling customer data. I would not recommend their cameras until something big changes and they get their stuff together.
People are jumping on this recall, but every company has recalls. What’s important is they’ve taking this seriously and are doing the recall.
One of the 535 Power Banks was cited as the "most probable cause" of a house fire ('https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2023/02/10/recalled-anker-power-bank-likely-cause-of-maryland-house-fire/69891765007/') in Maryland last week. The fire began in a suitcase that contained the Power Bank, which had been used the previous week. There were no other electrical devices in the suitcase that would have started a fire.
Yikes.. as if they don't have enough bad PR already.
Can’t believe that people not long ago used to strongly recommend this brand everywhere I looked, now almost everyone is saying to stay away from them. I don’t know what happened. ?
Once reviews come out, some companies start cutting corners and try to rely on the initial glowing reviews. SSD manufacturers are also notorious for doing this.
Was going to say ... lol. Anker is a pretty respected brand name. It's been around for awhile. Their products are pretty good. (And I didn't get paid or get paid to say this). I also frequent these forums and haven't seen it here, so not sure where "almost everyone" is coming from. lol.
I've got a similar battery - Model: A1290 (737) - the 26k version of this. It's been a powerhouse (no pun intended) for me. Very cool despite being able to output at 60w. I've never felt it hot, even though I charge it with my MBP chargers and use it to power my MBP sometimes.
I've used a lot of Anker batteries over the last 10+ years. I've had really good results with their batteries and technology. Still using one of their LED laps now for 6? years.
I'm a huge battery hobbyist and I've given several dozen of these batteries to people I know (gives me an excuse to buy another one). Never had a problem with a battery overheating or anything - had some of the USB ports not work on one, but Anker fixed it via warranty without question.
I've been wanting one of their 1500w Powerhouse 757 models really bad for California power outages but it's a bit out of my wallet range. I have the Powerhouse 521 with the LiPO batteries and use it every day to offload my office power during 4-9pm.
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Top Rated Comments
Most of the bad press I’ve seen is from their camera brand, Eufy. I think that’s where some of the Chinese spy comments are coming from. They’ve have some significant privacy issues with how they’re handling customer data. I would not recommend their cameras until something big changes and they get their stuff together.
People are jumping on this recall, but every company has recalls. What’s important is they’ve taking this seriously and are doing the recall.
I've used a lot of Anker batteries over the last 10+ years. I've had really good results with their batteries and technology. Still using one of their LED laps now for 6? years.
I'm a huge battery hobbyist and I've given several dozen of these batteries to people I know (gives me an excuse to buy another one). Never had a problem with a battery overheating or anything - had some of the USB ports not work on one, but Anker fixed it via warranty without question.
I've been wanting one of their 1500w Powerhouse 757 models really bad for California power outages but it's a bit out of my wallet range. I have the Powerhouse 521 with the LiPO batteries and use it every day to offload my office power during 4-9pm.
Hyundai Kona EV, Smart ForTwo Electric, Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid, Volkswagen ID.4s and Chevy Bolt recalls:
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2022/04/multiple-recalls-spark-fed-investigation-of-lgs-electric-car-batteries/
Why Teslas keep catching on fire:
https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2023/1/17/23470878/tesla-fires-evs-florida-hurricane-batteries-lithium-ion
Ford F-150 Lightning recall:
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/15/ford-f-150-lightning-production-halted.html
laptop battery on a plane recently caught fire:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2023/02/07/united-laptop-battery-fire/
I don't think we know how to make lithium cells yet with a 0% chance of catching fire.