Product recall: Cygnett MagSlim 5K power bank pulled from shelves over fire risk

Aussies have been urged to stop using a popular portable charger immediately over concerns it could catch on fire.

Phone accessory giant Cygnett has issued a recall for its MagSlim 5K power banks after it was discovered the casing on the product swells and can come apart, exposing the internals of the unit.

This can compromise the battery and result in overheating or the device catching fire.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said there is “a risk of serious burn injuries or property damage” for individuals using the affected power banks.

The issue identified in this recall is isolated to batches 4625, 4725, 4825, 4925, 5025, 5125, 0126, 0226, 0326, 0426, 0526, 0626, 0726, 0826, 0926, 1026, 1126, 1226, 1326, 1426 and 1426.

These batches were all produced and listed for sale between December 16 and April 20.

Affected power banks were sold at a range of Australian retailers, including JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, and Officeworks.

People with the MagSlim chargers are urged to check their unit’s batch code to see if it has been impacted by the recall.

Australians who own one of the affected power banks are advised to contact the store of purchase or Cygnett directly to arrange for a refund.

The recall follows a surge in power banks being taken off the market over fire fears.

The ACCC has recalled ten different power banks in the last 12 months, all due to concerns with their lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable and cause severe property damage and a risk to lives.

In April, WA witnessed its biggest lithium battery fire in history when a Maddington battery warehouse went up in flames.

The blaze took days to control, with the community under a toxic fumes alert for more than a week.