In a statement on EE’s website, the company said it is taking “precautions” after it became aware of a “small number” of incidents where Power Bars overheated and potentially posed a fire hazard. The company has actually been investigating these incidents since August and initially recalled a selected batch of Power Bars. It has now determined the fault is more widespread though, leading to today’s recall.
All of EE’s customers are entitled to a free Power Bar. The device is a portable charger to top-up a smartphone with while on the go. If the Power Bar runs out of power while in town, customers can walk into any EE store and immediately exchange it for a fully charged one. The idea was an instant hit that led to EE becoming overwhelmed with requests for Power Bars at their April launch.
The future of the Power Bar concept currently remains uncertain. EE advises all its customers they should stop using their Power Bar immediately. The device should be unplugged from the mains and any phone or tablet it is connected to.
EE said today: “We’re recalling all EE Power Bars. This is just a precaution, but we want to make sure all our customers are safe. If you have a Power Bar, you should stop using it straight away and hand it in to one of our stores. 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.”
It added: “Keeping our customers safe is extremely important to us, and that’s why we’re taking this voluntary and precautionary action.”
Power Bar users will receive a free £20 voucher to spend on phone accessories upon returning the charger to an EE store. The company has not said whether the devices will be re-issued in the future as it wishes to remain “fully focused on the recall.”
The investigation into the EE Power Bar began after UK medical student Katy Emslie suffered severe burns when a Power Bar allegedly blew up in her bedroom. The recall has been ordered as further cases of overheating have emerged despite the suspect ‘E1-06’ batch being removed from circulation.
