Urgent recall for Apple Watch accessory that could catch fire

An urgent warning has been issued to Apple Watch users after a popular charger was recalled over fire risks.

Accessory maker Belkin announced the global recall of its $160 BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K.

The faulty power bank features the model number BPD005, which can be found on the back, and was released in May 2023.

The company identified a manufacturing defect that can cause the lithium cell to overheat, posing a fire hazard to users.

‘Place your BPD005 in a safe, dry location away from anything flammable or anything that can damage the power bank,’ Belkin shared in the announcement.

‘Do not place your power bank into any trash or recycling bins.’

Belkin has pulled the charger from its website, but third-party sites still show it for sale.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also has yet to make an official announcement about the recall.

Accessory maker Belkin announced a global recall of its power bank, the BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K, due to fire risks

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‘If you have purchased the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K, BPD005, it is important that you immediately stop using it, disconnect it from any power supply or other products, and contact us for further instructions,’ the company shared.

The company quietly pulled the power bank from its site in Octobe.

‘No injuries have been reported, and no other Belkin wireless chargers or any other Belkin products are affected by this recall,’ according to the recall announcement.

Belkin also said it would refund consumers who purchased the faulty power bank.

The Belkin BoostCharge ProFast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K was priced at $159.

It is unclear how many units have been sold worldwide.

While Belkin did not provide more details about the manufacturing defect causing the overheating, such issues have been linked to using cheap materials that introduce impurities.

Other recalls over lithium batteries catching fire have also cited a cracked separator, a thin plastic film separating the positive and negative poles.

The power bank specifically charges Apple Watches 

However, Belkin was plagued with another recall in 2021 over the risk of fire.

Its Boost Charge Portable Wireless Charger + Stand Special Edition (WIZ003), sold through Apple’s online and retail stores, was pulled after a manufacturing defect that could cause fire and shock hazards was identified.

An iPhone charger was also recalled in September due to the same defect.

Accessory maker Anker determined its MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K), Power Bank and MagGo Power Bank may pose a fire risk after finding the lithium-ion battery could overheat, causing plastic components to melt, smoke and catch fire.

‘Although only a small number of batteries (a batch used in the products from January 3, 2024, to September 17, 2024) may be affected by this issue, out of an abundance of caution, we are reaching out to all customers to begin a Recall program,’ the company said.

The models impacted included: Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K)/Anker Power Bank/Anker MagGo Power Bank, Model: A1642/A1647/A1652.

‘Immediately stop using this product. Do not throw the power bank into the trash or recycling bin. Please dispose of your device at a facility that accepts lithium batteries,’ Anker warned.