Over 200,000 Power Banks Recalled From Amazon Due To Risk, After $380,000 In Fire Damage

By Leslie D. Soule

INIU 10,000mAh portable power banks are the subject of a current recall, as INIU has received 15 reports of power banks overheating, and 11 reports of fires caused from these power banks – causing $380,000 in property damage, and causing three minor burn injuries. Officials from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have stated that about 210,000 power banks are affected by this recall.

Units affected have a black or blue case with the INIU logo, and a paw print LED light on the front. Fires are caused when the lithium-ion batteries in these banks, overheat and ignite. Power banks affected were sold on Amazon between August of 2021 and April of 2022, and have the following serial numbers: 000G21, 000H21, 000I21, and 000L21. The model # is BI-B41. Consumers who discover that they have purchased one of these power banks, are advised to halt use of them, visit the INIU’s recall page to verify the serial number, and register for a full refund.

It is not advised to dispose of lithium-ion batteries in the household trash, due to the risk of fire from these batteries. Instead, it is advised that citizens contact their local municipalities for guidance on disposal. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) advises to dispose these types of batteries at a hazardous waste or e-cycling facility. The National Fire Protection Association states that consumers should stop using products with lithium-ion batteries if they detect an odor, change in color, excessive heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.