Defective power banks can overheat, may catch fire or explode

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — More than 19,000 wireless power banks are being recalled because they can catch fire, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The CPSC said the lithium-ion battery in ESR HaloLock Wireless Power Banks can overheat and ignite while in use, posing a fire and burn hazard.

There have been 20 reports of the battery catching fire and blowing up, according to the CPSC. No injuries have been reported, though the malfunctioning wireless power banks have caused about $30,000 worth of property damage.

The power banks were sold online via Amazon, ESRtech and Home Depot. The recalled models include 2G505, 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B.

The model 2G505 was only sold in black and white, while the others were also sold in dark blue, light blue and gray.