Is Anker’s recall a wake-up call on lithium battery safety?

With rising house fires and product recalls from brands like Audio-Technica, Belkin, and Anker, we examine the growing safety risks of lithium-ion batteries in everyday gadgets.

Anker was the go-to brand for reliable and affordable audio and charging accessories. But after hitting the headlines for a third product recall of the year in six months due to overheating lithium-ion batteries, this could be about to change.

The most recent announcement was that 80,000 Anker speakers have been urgently recalled due to them being a fire hazard. The decision was made after 33 reports of fire incidents ranging from smoke coming from the speakers to small fires and one user suffering a minor burn injury.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has since warned users to stop using the affected models and to unplug them immediately.

#RECALL: @AnkerOfficial Soundcore Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Bluetooth Speakers Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively on https://t.co/YTSsBu5yX1 by Anker Innovations. Get a replacement. CONTACT: 800-988-7973 or https://t.co/sz0slG5rF8

Details: https://t.co/k04tGBfHGA pic.twitter.com/EBhRirRlRt

undefined US Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) December 5, 2024

Which Anker products have been recalled in 2024?

Anker has advised that the models identified as fire hazards are its Anker Soundcore (A3102) and Bluetooth PowerConf (A3302) models sold exclusively on Amazon in 2023. According to the CPSC, Anker and Amazon have already contacted those affected by defective devices.

Unfortunately for Anker, it's been a lousy year for overheating lithium-ion batteries. The first, announced in early June, involved the recall of its 321 Power Banks, the A3302 AnkerWork PowerConf S3 speakerphone, and the A3102 Soundcore Bluetooth speaker following reports of overheating issues that posed fire risks.

By September, the company expanded its recall efforts to include the 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K), a 20,000 mAh Power Bank, and the MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh), further heightening scrutiny over its battery safety protocols.

At least two people have reportedly suffered burns, some first and second degree, after their Anker power banks caught fire, prompting a recall. #Promoproducts suppliers who carry Anker say the models they offer are not among the defective products https://t.co/87WiuoKl1i

undefined Chris Ruvo (@ChrisR_ASI) October 23, 2024

How to find out if your Anker device is affected

The quickest way to check if your Anker devices are affected is to enter your serial number on the product recall page for your A3102 speaker, 321 Power Bank, or the Anker Power Bank and Anker MagGo Power Bank.

While waiting for your replacement device, the company has urged users of the recalled speakers to discontinue use immediately and to refrain from charging them with any external power sources or chargers.

However, the challenges faced by Anker reflect the much larger risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in society. In the last few months, there have been increasing reports of manufacturing flaws being blamed for overheating batteries in a wide range of devices. Problems can be found everywhere, from Audio-Technica's earbuds to the UK government issuing a warning that Belkins BoostCharge Pro power banks are a fire risk.

Cheap tech gadgets fueling lithium-ion battery fires

Lithium-ion battery fires are rising as we approach the time of the year when many households will be unwrapping even more cheap tech gadgets with hidden defects. The troublesome batteries can be found inside mobile phones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes, e-scooters, and even e-cigarettes.

According to research from business insurer QBE, there has been a 46% increase in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in the UK alone. The alarming videos of a charging e-bike starting a fire that killed a mother and her two children and a pensioner left homeless are sadly becoming frequent news stories.

As a result, we expect new regulations in 2025 aimed at tackling what has become the biggest cause of home fires. In the UK, the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill [HL], sponsored by Lord Redesdale, aims to establish regulations for the safe storage, use, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries, addressing increasing risks such as thermal runaway and fire hazards.

How to safeguard your home from lithium battery fires

Three high-profile recalls from Anker represent a worrying trend with its range of speakers and power banks. However, the debate around lithium-ion battery safety is much bigger than one brand.

As users, we need to be more mindful of our charging habits and responsibilities around the technology we take for granted. For example, when did you last think about the danger of leaving a device charging unattended by an exit point in your home? Or that you should never attempt to put out a lithium battery fire with water because it will react violently, causing an even bigger fire or explosion?

Many accidents can be stopped sooner by knowing what signs to look out for. It’s important to remember that if your battery is becoming excessively hot, swollen, leaking, emitting unusual odors, failing to charge properly, or releasing smoke, you should stop using it immediately.

The excitement of unwrapping presents will overshadow any safety concerns during the holiday season. But lithium-ion batteries will be powering much of the tech waiting to be opened under the Christmas tree. Maybe, peace of mind is the best gift you can give this Christmas.

Traditional advice has been only purchasing devices, chargers, or batteries from reputable brands and sellers. But it’s also important to take a few moments to educate your loved ones, especially kids, about basic battery safety.

Simple actions like using the correct charger, storing devices properly, and unplugging them once fully charged could save them from becoming just another lithium-ion battery house fire statistic.