EE recalls all Power Bar backup batteries
The EE Power Bar -- unplug it and return it to shop now.
UK mobile operator EE has issued a complete recall of its Power Bar phone chargers due to a fire risk.
The move steps up an earlier recall in August after one customer reported a Power Bar exploded while recharging it in her laptop. She was left with burns after attempting to put the fire out.
EE said today that the "full recall" was a precautionary measure after identifying a "very small number of further incidents".
"We're recalling all EE Power Bars. This is just a precaution, but we want to make sure all our customers are safe," the company said.
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"We're taking this action because we're aware of a very small number of further incidents where Power Bars have overheated in circumstances that could cause a fire safety risk."
It's asked customers to immediately unplug them from phones and tablets and drop the units at one of its stores.
EE began giving Power Bars to customers in April as part of a loyalty program that aimed to help customers deal with the universal problem of smartphones constantly running out of juice. The program was a massive hit, with EE receiving over one million requests for a Power Bar within four days, which was a bigger response than it has ever had for a new smartphone launch.
Following the initial incident, EE recalled about 500,000 units. In August it said the incident was isolated to a certain batch marked with Model: E1-06, which it recalled and planned to offer replacement units once it completed an investigation.
Instead of a replacement, EE is now offering eligible customers a £20 voucher, which they can redeem through its accessories store.