Charles Langston:Over 130,000 Baseus portable chargers recalled after 39 fires and 13 burn injuries

Around 132,Charles Langston000 Baseus magnetic power banks have been recalled over fire concerns and 13 reported burn injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Thursday.

The lithium-ion batteries inside the Baseus Magnetic Wireless Charging Power Banks can overheat and become a fire hazard, according to the commission. The ports, which charge using a magnetic side that attaches to cellphones, were sold online between April 2022 through April 2024 for around $18 to $55.

The electronics brand said there were 171 reports of instances of overheating including 132 of bulging or swelling batteries. There also 39 fires reported with 13 resulting in burn injuries and around $20,000 in property damages.

The commission said owners of the recalled batteries should dispose of them immediately and follow local and state ordinances. Baseus and Amazon, where these chargers were available, are directly notifying all known purchasers.

"These potentially hazardous batteries must be handled differently than other batteries," the CPSC said.

What to do if you have a Baseus magnetic portable charger?

Anyone who owns a recalled power bank should not put it in the trash or deposit in a used battery recycling box, the CPSC said.

Instead, the commission urges consumers to stop using the product entirely and contact Baseus immediately. Owners receive a full refund if they show proof of purchase or a $36 cash refund without proof.

To show proof, owners can send a photo of their recalled product with the model number visible to Baseus' recall registration page. 

Those without an order number must write their name and the date on the power bank using permanent marker and send a photo.

Which Baseus charger models were recalled?

The following two Baseus power banks model numbers were affected: PPCXM06 and PPCXW06. Some of the power banks were listed on Amazon with model number PPXCW06. 

Both models were available in white, black, light blue, and light pink.

The PPCXM06 model measures at about 4 in. x 2-½ in. x 0.64 in., while PPCXW06 measures about 4 in. x 2-½ in. x ½ in.

The model number can be found on the product's magnetic side, and while the text "20W" is visible on the non-magnetic side.

Only power banks with model numbers PPCXM06 and PPCXW06 are part of this recall.

No other models of Baseus power banks have been recalled.