EE recall Power Bar batch over explosion risk

[Guest PaulOBrien]

What started out as really positive PR for EE has turned into a bit of a nightmare. EE are recalling a batch of their 'free' Power Bars due to a risk of fire / explosion (!). The Power Bars, which relate to batch E1-06 (the batch / model number is written on the side of the device) apparently 'could pose a fire safety risk', something that unfortunately appears to have become a reality as seen in the news over recent days. If you do have one of this batch of devices, you should stop using or charging it immediately and return the device to an EE store as soon as possible.

The full release from EE....

EE has identified a very small number of incidents where Power Bars have overheated, all of which relate to batch E1-06 (written as Model:E1-06 on the side of the device), and could pose a fire safety risk.

We're therefore recalling batch E1-06 and request that customers stop using them and return their device to a local EE store at their earliest convenience.

Power Bars from any other batch aren't affected by this recall.

It's our intention to replace these chargers once we've completed our investigations; we'll be in touch once these have been concluded. We're really sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
What's the issue with batch E1-06, and how do I identify my device?

We've identified a very small number of incidents where Power Bars have overheated, all of which relate to batch E1-06, and could pose a fire safety risk. EE Power Bars can be identified by a code found on the side of the device. For the recalled models this code will read ‘E1-06' (see image below).

What should I do?

We're requesting that customers stop using Power Bars from batch E1-06, and unplug them from handsets and the mains. They should return the Power Bar to a local EE store at their earliest convenience.

How do I get a replacement?

Customers returning batch E1-06 will be issued with a replacement once our investigations are concluded. The swap program has been temporarily suspended while we complete this recall process and restock.

How do I know the other batches are safe?

We've not seen any issues of overheating with other batches and they meet all safety standards. Here is some general advice on use of portable chargers.

More details can be found on the EE website.

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[Guest macbreakweeklyfan]

No doubt likely to VERY cheap supply channel sourcing from EE.

[Guest Simon O]

EE probably source these from several manufacturers to their own specifications, hence the different model numbers out there. It'll be one factory trying to cut costs further by using low quality 'C' grade cells. Result = bomb.

EE obviously haven't tested all the batches properly.. probably leaving that to the factories to do QA testing :/

[Guest PaulOBrien]

@macbreakweeklyfan - are you who I think you are?

P

Edited August 6, 2015 by PaulOBrien

[Guest eLJay]

Considering I've swapped mine every week or two since they started, and was ignored by staff when I pointed out how hot two of these were running, then this comes as no surprise.

Edited August 9, 2015 by eLJay