Australian consumers are being urged to immediately stop using a popular portable charger due to concerns it could catch fire.
Recall Issued for Cygnett MagSlim 5K Power Banks
Phone accessory giant Cygnett has issued a recall for its MagSlim 5K power banks after discovering that the casing on the product can swell and separate, exposing the internal components. This defect can compromise the battery, leading to overheating or the device catching fire.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned that there is “a risk of serious burn injuries or property damage” for individuals using the affected power banks.
Affected Batches and Where They Were Sold
The recall applies to specific batch numbers: 4625, 4725, 4825, 4925, 5025, 5125, 0126, 0226, 0326, 0426, 0526, 0626, 0726, 0826, 0926, 1026, 1126, 1226, 1326, 1426, and 1426. These batches were produced and sold between December 16 and April 20.
The affected power banks were available at major Australian retailers, including JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, and Officeworks.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a MagSlim 5K charger are advised to check the unit’s batch code to determine if it is affected. If it is, they should contact the store of purchase or Cygnett directly to arrange a refund.
Growing Concerns Over Lithium-Ion Batteries
This recall follows a surge in power banks being removed from the market due to fire risks. The ACCC has recalled ten different power banks in the past 12 months, all related to concerns with their lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are highly flammable and can cause severe property damage and pose a risk to lives.
In April, Western Australia experienced its largest lithium battery fire in history when a battery warehouse in Maddington went up in flames. The blaze took days to control, and the community was under a toxic fumes alert for more than a week.
