UK-based Internet service provider and mobile network operator EE has recalled all "Power Bar" due to fire risk.
Power Bar is a portable power bank that EE has offered as a free gift to thousands of its customers. The Power Bar has 2,600mAh battery that customers can charge and then use it to juice up their devices while on the go.
However, many users of the Power Bar have complained of overheating issues with the charger. In July 2015, Katy Emslie, user of Power Bar, said that the portable charger exploded and caused injuries to her hand and damages to her property.
She also posted a few images showing the burns on her hands that was caused as she tried to put the fire out as a result of the Power Bar explosion. Emslie was admitted to the hospital for treatment, which also included a plastic surgery.
Ty @EE for the powerbar which exploded, almost burned down our house left my hand like this: #Firework pic.twitter.com/MRzdsbj52P
— Katy Emslie (@kemslie89) July 24, 2015
Following the incident, EE recalled a specific batch of Power Bar in August 2015 but announced that other batches of the portable charger were safe to use.
"Power Bars from any other batch aren't affected by this recall," per an EE statement that was issued in August 2015. "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."
However, on Wednesday, Dec. 16, EE confirmed that it is recalling all Power Bars as a precaution. The company states that customers who are using the Power Bar should stop using it and hand it over to their nearest EE store.
"We are taking this action because we are aware of a very small number of further incidents where Power Bars have overheated in circumstances that could cause a fire safety risk," per an EE recall statement. "Keeping our customers safe is extremely important to us, and that's why we're taking this voluntary and precautionary action."
EE is also offering a £20 voucher (around $30) to all eligible customers who return their Power Bar to the company.
EE also announced that it will send a text messages to all customers who have signed up for a free Power Bar to notify about the recall.
