Electronics can sometimes be a double-edged sword. In this case, a power bank that is supposed to charge devices safely has been overheating and “sparking” danger, pun intended!
Affordable Power Banks on Sale
Image Credit: Pexels / Karolina Kaboompics
The deal on power banks sold at Costco has seen sales skyrocket since these units only sold at $40 each. Customers bought their chargers online and in stores.
Can Customers Trust the Brand?
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Lund
The myCharge power bank price seemed a bit of a steal. It’s no secret that customers went for the bargain. It was a good option for anyone who needed a battery charger and did not have a big spending budget to buy one.
Why the Recall?
Image Credit: Shutterstock / VADZIM SHUBICH
myCharge, a company based in Michigan, has recalled more than 540,000 power banks sold at Costco branches due to overheating while charging devices.
Who Is myCharge?
Image Credit: Pexels / SCREEN POST
myCharge is a Michigan-based company specializing in power banks and battery chargers with portability and built-in cables that are convenient to charge while on the go.
Dangers Are Real
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Bacho
The power banks are said to have been linked to two properties that allegedly caught fire. Other concerns include potential burns and injuries.
Fire Damage
Image Credit: Shutterstock / JARIRIYAWAT
The reported properties that caught fire due to the faulty charger have suffered damages worth over $163,000.
Ampage and Power
Image Credit: Pexels / SCREEN POST
The power banks boasted 10,000mAh, which is powerful enough to charge two small devices at once. Or more than two devices, one after the other.
What Else Did It Feature?
Image Credit: Pexels / Towfiqu barbhuiya
The faulty power banks featured two built-in charging cables and a wall charging plug integrated into the rear end of the device. The compact design also added convenience for portable use.
Overheating Observations
Image Credit: Shutterstock / smolaw
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 120 cases of the charging device overheating while in use.
Danger Models Being Recalled
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Salivanchuk Semen
The company has reportedly recalled three specific models: AO10FK-A, AO10FK-B, and AO10FK-C. These faulty units made up the 567,000 power banks that were sold to customers throughout Michigan and other parts of the U.S.
Recall Faulty Chargers
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov
According to the CPSC, myCharge recalled all its dangerous models on June 20, 2024.
Some Danger Incidents
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
According to the CPSC, incidents tied to faulty power banks include battery expansion, smoke, fire, sparks, and melting. The commission has announced that no injuries have required medical attention.
The Power Banks Sold Over for Nearly Two Years
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Idealphotographer
myCharge products are manufactured in China and sold exclusively at Costco’s brick-and-mortar and online store.
A Stern Warning to Customers
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Thx4Stock team
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned customers to be extra careful when handling faulty chargers. One of many warnings was, “Do not throw this recall battery in the trash.”
More Battery Disposal Tips
Image Credit: Pexels / Norma Mortenson
Since recalled batteries don’t “behave” like regular batteries, they tend to be more volatile. Recalled batteries should be disposed of more carefully and not recycled with other battery recycling boxes in Home Depots or retail stores.
Returns From Customers
Image Credit: Shutterstock / nampix
Costco has reported 115 returns of the myCharge power bank. As a whole, the recalls, plus the customer returns of the product, are a lot of money down the drain for Costco.
Losses to myCharge
Image Credit: Shutterstock / SewCreamStudio
The company, myCharge, has lost millions in this recall incident due to its faulty charges. $40 may have sounded cheap, but 567,000 recalls add up to over $22 million in losses.
Costco Losses
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Artmim
Costco might not own the myCharge power banks, but it sold the products to hundreds of customers. With all the returns and refunds, thousands were lost.
Discontinue Use
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Salivanchuk Semen
The CPSC has advised consumers to discontinue using the myCharge recalled chargers.
Return the myCharge Faulty Product
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zivica Kerkez
Customers are also advised to return the broken and hazardous power bank chargers to myCharge for a free replacement.
Safety First
Image Credit: Pexels / SCREEN POST
A portable device charger like a power bank is convenient but not always the safest if issues occur. Power banks might not always be affordable, but there are many to choose from and suited to different budgets.
Oil Dumping Scandal Rocks Ships Heading to New Orleans
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Aerial-motion
Two shipping companies have been fined after knowingly hiding a large oil spill in the Atlantic Ocean. Oil Dumping Scandal Rocks Ships Heading to New Orleans
20 Eye-Opening Realities Facing Retiring Baby Boomers
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jack Frog
As Baby Boomers approach retirement, the promise of leisure and security often seems unattainable. This generation faces unique challenges that could redefine retirement. Here’s a stark look at the realities shaping their outlook. 20 Eye-Opening Realities Facing Retiring Baby Boomers
Retail Apocalypse: Massive Closures Sweep Across U.S. Brands
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tada Images
Stores across the U.S. are closing at unprecedented levels, according to new research from advisory firm Coresight Research. Read on for more information about the impact this could have on you and your communities. Retail Apocalypse: Massive Closures Sweep Across U.S. Brands
The post Flaming Power Banks: The Explosive Recall Rocking Costco first appeared on EcoHugo.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kiril_Ph.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
