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.

(Thanks, Jordan!)

Article Link: Anker Recalls Model 535 Power Bank Due to Fire Risk

MacRumors said:

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.

Yikes.. as if they don't have enough bad PR already.

I don’t want a refund. I want a product that works. Sleazy by Anker. Definitely won’t be giving my refund back to them. Will go elsewhere.

AppleEnthusiast1995 said:

Anker is really dropping the ball lately.

Yea stinks. I love my 737 with the screen and 2 USB-C.

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. 🙁

StellarVixen said:

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.

STOP BUYING ANKER

MACRUMORS should be SHAMED for pushing their SHILL advertising for this CHINESE SPY BRAND.

Never heard of a lithium battery spontaneously bursting into flame without it charging at the time, or being subject to mechanical damage. This is scary. I know not to leave my stuff charging near flammable material, but now it seems it can happen any time.

At least it's rare, or we'd hear about it more often.

I wonder what exactly is so unique about this battery that makes the other batteries in the lineup immune to this issue

How the mighty have fallen!

I recorded a battery pack erupt into flames while the bag was going through TSA security scanner. I uploaded it and went on my flight. When I landed, Fox offered me money to buy the video and I ended up on the news. Was told they have been trying to capture this action for a long time. After seeing this, I warn everyone not to buy the random brand chinese battery packs as those can ignite at home while you arent there.

Anker contacted me through Amazon to offer a refund for one of their chargers I purchased (one of the newer "GaNPrime" ones). They get HOT HOT HOT. Like, they heat up to 140°F (60°C) with just normal use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that temperatures above 120°F (48°C) can BURN YOU.
I was startled with how hot it felt, so I actually measured it to be sure.

I'm surprised there hasn't been more Anker recalls.

MrRom92 said:

I wonder what exactly is so unique about this battery that makes the other batteries in the lineup immune to this issue

I’m wondering the same… I have the 525 and feel pretty nervous after reading this about the 535.

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.

BigMcGuire said:

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.

Click to expand...

Yea 60w seems low to get so hot. I guess poor manufacturing and heat dissipation? My 140W 737 doesn't get hot even when charging at the full 140W.

Lucas Curious said:

I recorded a battery pack erupt into flames while the bag was going through TSA security scanner. I uploaded it and went on my flight. When I landed, Fox offered me money to buy the video and I ended up on the news. Was told they have been trying to capture this action for a long time. After seeing this, I warn everyone not to buy the random brand chinese battery packs as those can ignite at home while you arent there.

how much did they pay for the video? if you don't mind me asking.

I was actually looking to buy a charger from Anker, then I realised it's Chinese. Is there a company out there non Chinese to buy similar products?

Guacamole said:

I was actually looking to buy a charger from Anker, then I realised it's Chinese. Is there a company out there non Chinese to buy similar products?

Apple makes a wireless power bank. Power tool companies make attachments for their batteries that allow USB input and output.

Edit: Your avoidance of Chinese companies is baffling to me. Companies from everywhere have had recalls. According to the guy who runs allthingsoneplace on YouTube, Baseus (another Chinese company) tends to make higher quality products than Anker.

Guacamole said:

I was actually looking to buy a charger from Anker, then I realised it's Chinese. Is there a company out there non Chinese to buy similar products?

Apple power banks are still made in china.

Ironically you can get a korean made samsung power bank.

I often buy non-apple accessories to save money. But not chargers or power supplies. I’m happy to pay extra not to torch my house.

I didn't know that Anker was a Chinese company. I thought it's American and just make in China like everyone else.
I have a 735 and 521 chargers at home. Had been using my 735 as travel adapter and it could charge my M1Pro 16" and 12PM without any problems.

This makes me worry about my A1290 model. I was nervous already with a battery pack like this but this just adds to it.

Lucas Curious said:

I recorded a battery pack erupt into flames while the bag was going through TSA security scanner. I uploaded it and went on my flight. When I landed, Fox offered me money to buy the video and I ended up on the news. Was told they have been trying to capture this action for a long time. After seeing this, I warn everyone not to buy the random brand chinese battery packs as those can ignite at home while you arent there.

Wait until it’s a car! I saw that happen live in China multiple times 😂 the cells all cascade into subsequent pops, booms and fire

Kottu said:

I didn't know that Anker was a Chinese company. I thought it's American and just make in China like everyone else.
I have a 735 and 521 chargers at home. Had been using my 735 as travel adapter and it could charge my M1Pro 16" and 12PM without any problems.

Many companies pick names that are kind of English sounding or blend it into appropriate English sounds. In this case the name in Chinese is 安克 “an ke” https://www.anker.com.cn/

It’s international marketing and sometimes domestic as it sound like an import just from the name, unless people read the fine print