There has been a product recall, but it has nothing to do with contaminated food that could cause an outbreak. This time, Costco made the recall, which involves over 500,000 myCharge POWER HUB All-In-One 10,000mAh portable chargers.
These products are recalled because of severe overheating issues that could lead to fires. Costco is leading the recall because the devices, which cost $40, were only available for sale exclusively at Costco outlets. Buyers are advised to return or eliminate them as they are now considered a safety risk.
The Alert From the Safety Commission
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has flagged the myCharge POWER HUB All-In-One 10,000mAh portable chargers as a severe fire hazard. The alert came after more than 100 people reported the devices overheating, causing damage and posing a potential danger.
Risky Models
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that three models of the myCharge POWER HUB All-In-One 10,000mAh pose significant risks to those who bought them. One of the common problems among these models is overheating, which is why there has been a total recall. It is a proactive step to ensure buyers are not exposed to further risk.
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Why the Devices Are Overheating
According to investigations carried out by relevant agencies, the chargers can overheat while being charged. Overheating can lead to many things, including fires, so when Costco confirmed there was such a defect, it sprung into action, getting rid of the products from its outlets to prevent more people from buying them.
Source of the Chargers
The chargers that have been recalled were reportedly made in China before they were distributed in the US market by RFA Brands LLC of Birmingham, Mich. Tracking the location where the faulty chargers were manufactured played a crucial role in tracing the issue back to its origins.
No Comments From the Companies Involved
While Costco swiftly halted sales of the portable chargers to prevent more mishaps, the franchise has yet to make an official statement about the recall. The same goes for RFA Brands LLC, the distributor. For now, both companies are investigating, but eventually, the public expects them to share their statements about the recall.
Two Incidents Caused by the Chargers
As stated earlier, the portable chargers were sold exclusively at Costco outlets, and many people have purchased them. Among those buyers, there have been two instances where the overheating issue had devastating repercussions. On both occasions, the chargers caught fire that was not quickly detected until it spread throughout the homes, destroying properties worth about $165,000. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provided this data, which highlights the potential hazards of the faulty chargers.
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Feedback From Customers
Users of the faulty product have been giving their feedback, and none have been flattering. The commission has revealed that about 115 chargers have been returned to Costco for varying reasons, including melting, expanding, smoking, fire, burning, exploding, or sparking. The firsthand accounts were one of the reasons that prompted the swift recall.
No Casualties or Injuries
Despite the reasons various buyers gave for returning the portable chargers, nobody has been reported injured. This is a stroke of luck for the companies and people who bought the chargers. It is also a stark reminder of why recalls exist in the first place.
What To Do if You Own One
Costco has urged people who purchased the chargers before the recall to not throw them out of fear. They have offered to replace the faulty charger with a safer one, and all you need to do is visit the recall page.
If You Must Dispose Them
Special disposal instructions have been issued for the recalled chargers. They must be handled more delicately and not discarded in regular trash or recycling bins, as they can pose environmental damage or safety issues.
How To Correctly Dispose of Them
The Consumer Product Safety Commission urges anyone who wishes to safely dispose of faulty chargers to follow their local and state guidelines, especially those concerning damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries. This will prevent further damage or environmental hazards and effectively contain the problem.
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