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Amazon Recalls 210k INIU 10,000mAh Power Banks

Amazon Recalls 210k INIU 10,000mAh Power Banks

Hook: Still trusting a mystery-brick power bank with zero safety marks? That is the pocket equivalent of storing gasoline in a paper cup. Here is how to avoid turning your backpack into a burn hazard.

What happened on Amazon

Approximately 210,000 INIU portable chargers sold on Amazon were recalled over fire and burn risks. The affected device is INIU’s 10,000mAh power bank, model BI-B41, sold between August 2021 and April 2022. If you saw posts about a 100,000mAh recall, take note: the official recall targets the 10,000mAh BI-B41 units and specific serial batches.

INIU’s recall page lists the impacted batches as serial numbers 000G21, 000H21, 000I21, and 000L21, and advises immediate discontinuation of use and safe disposal after claim processing, as noted on INIU’s recall notice and covered by AOL and Houston Chronicle. Reporting also references cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), summarized by AboutLawsuits.

How to check if your power bank is affected

  • Confirm brand and model: INIU BI-B41, 10,000mAh.
  • Find the serial number on the device or packaging: 000G21, 000H21, 000I21, or 000L21 are recalled.
  • Verify purchase window: August 2021 through April 2022 on Amazon USA.
  • Submit a claim: Use the official INIU recall portal to confirm eligibility and refund options.
  • Stop using it now: Store it away from flammables while you process the recall.
  • Dispose safely: Follow local lithium battery disposal rules. Do not throw it in household trash. If unsure, check your city’s e-waste guidelines or ask a local hazardous waste facility.

The problem consumers actually face

Most portable chargers are compact lithium-ion battery packs. When a cell or protection circuit is subpar or abused, it can overheat, vent, or catch fire. In a bag or bedside table, that is a bad day.

The practical solution: certifications and design features that matter

Not all safety marks are created equal. Focus on these:

  • UL 2056 certification (portable power banks): This is the go-to consumer safety standard for power banks, covering electrical, thermal, and mechanical hazards. Look for a legitimate UL mark and model traceability. More detail at UL’s overview of UL 2056 and UL’s announcement of the standard.
  • IEC 62133-2 (battery cells safety): International tests for lithium-ion cells used in portable devices. Products that cite IEC 62133-2 show cell-level safety testing. See general access via the IEC Webstore and broader testing references at UL battery safety testing.
  • UN 38.3 (transport safety): Batteries must pass UN 38.3 tests before shipping. While it is a transport standard, it signals the pack survived vibration, shock, thermal and altitude simulations. The testing landscape is also summarized at UL battery safety testing.
  • Independent lab marks: UL Listed to UL 2056 or ETL Listed to equivalent is preferred. CE, FCC, and RoHS are not battery safety certifications for fire risk.

Design and build signals of a safer portable charger

  • Protection circuitry: Overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection managed by a well-tuned battery management system (BMS).
  • Thermal monitoring: Temperature sensors and throttling that prevent runaway during fast charging.
  • Quality cells and enclosure: Reputable cell suppliers, flame-retardant casing, and proper internal spacing to reduce crush risk.
  • Power delivery done right: USB PD compliance and conservative current limits compared with marketing claims.
  • Traceability: Clear model numbers, serial ranges, and test reports tied to a genuine third-party certification.

Charging and storage habits that reduce lithium battery hazards

  • Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface. Avoid under pillows, in drawers, or on plush furniture.
  • Keep away from heat sources. Do not fast charge in parked cars or direct sun.
  • Use a quality charger and cable. Match voltage/current specs and skip the no-name bundle.
  • Do not leave a damaged or swollen pack plugged in. If you see swelling, odor, popping sounds, smoke, or extreme heat, move away and call emergency services if a fire starts.
  • For long-term storage, leave the pack around 30 to 60 percent charged and store at room temperature.
  • Follow consumer guidance like the NFPA’s tip sheet for lithium-ion batteries, outlined in this NFPA resource.

Buying checklist: safer power banks

  • UL 2056 or ETL Listed clearly marked, with a model number that matches the packaging and product page.
  • Seller transparency: real test reports, clear warranty and support, and responsive recall processes.
  • Reasonable specs: if the capacity and output look too good for the size and price, they probably are.
  • Positive thermal behavior in reviews: look for users reporting cool operation during fast charging.

If you bought on Amazon

Amazon maintains guidance on recalls and product safety communication. Start with the manufacturer’s recall page, then check Amazon’s help topic on recalls at Amazon’s recall help. For the INIU BI-B41 case, the official path is the INIU recall portal.

Bottom line

Battery safety is not about fear. It is about choosing gear that is designed, certified, and used the right way. Verify your INIU BI-B41 if you own one, retire any suspect power banks, and treat lithium packs with respect. Your backpack, nightstand, and fingertips will thank you.

Sources

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