More than half a million myCharge POWER HUB portable chargers sold solely at Costco are being recalled due to serious fire hazard concerns. The Costco recall follows multiple reports of the chargers overheating and causing residential fires.
Costco Recalls myCharge's POWER HUB Chargers
Costco's product recall specifically involves myCharge POWER HUB All-In-One 10,000 mAh portable chargers.
These devices, linked by model figures AO10FK-A, AO10FK-B, and AO10FK-C, are black and feature two attached cords for charging portable electronic devices and retractable wall prongs for recharging the power bank. "myCharge" is prominently published on the frontal surface.
Affected chargers can be linked by specific date codes ending in 21, 22, or four particular canons ending in 23( 0123, 0923, 1523, 1723), which are published on the outward surface of the wall prong.
According to a notice on the Consumer Product Safety Commission's( CPSC) website, myCharge, also known as RFA Brands of Birmingham, Michigan, reported that 567,000 chargers are part of this recall.
The company has admitted 120 reports of the myCharge portable charger overheating, including two incidents that led to domestic fires causing roughly $165,000 in property damage.
Costco has also received 115 returns from patrons who reported the chargers melting, expanding, smoking, burning, exploding, or sparking. Thankfully, no injuries claiming medical attention have been reported.
Safety Concerns and Consumer Actions
The company issued an immediate action for consumers. Consumers who possess these myCharge portable chargers should instantly cease using them and communicate with myCharge for a free replacement.
myCharge can be reached at 888-251-2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or via email atcompliance@mycharge.com.
In addition, the government agency also highlights the proper disposal instructions for these types of electrical products.
The CPSC stresses the importance of disposing of the recalled myCharge portable chargers according to local and state regulations.
These lithium-ion batteries shouldn't be discarded in regular trash or standard battery recycling boxes set up in stores. Given the possible fire hazards posed by these batteries, special handling procedures are needed.
Broader Context of Lithium-Ion Battery Risks and Battery-Related Fires
The recall underscores the broader pitfalls associated with lithium-ion batteries, known for their propensity to ignite fires. In 2023 alone, lithium-ion batteries were responsible for 17 deaths and 238 fires.
FDNY Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh has stressed the troubles of these batteries, noting that they can explode fast and leave little time for smoke detectors to respond, making escape delicate.
This recall is a key reminder of the significance of handling and disposing of potentially dangerous batteries properly.
Consumers who have bought the affected myCharge POWER HUB portable chargers from Costco, whether in-store or online, between January 2022 and November 2023, should act now to guarantee their safety.
For further information and to request a free replacement, consumers can communicate with myCharge at the provided phone number or email address. Taking prompt action and following the recommended disposal procedures are essential to avert fire hazards and assure safety.
This detailed recall information provides consumers with an essential way to protect themselves and their property while emphasizing the broader dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries.
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