Brunton Outdoors Recalls Battery Packs Due to Fire Hazard
CPSC recall 16148 · announced April 19, 2016 · Brunton Outdoor · 1,050 units affected
The product
This recall involves Brunton's Impel and Impel 2 rechargeable, portable battery packs that are used to charge cell phones, tablets, laptops and other devices. The Impel battery came in a rubberized shell in dark gray with orange or blue and the Impel 2 in light gray with black trim. The battery packs can be plugged into an A/C wall outlet, a 12 volt car charger or an attachable solar panel for recharging. They measure about 7.5 inches long by 7 inches wide by 1 inch thick. The lithium ion polymer battery packs have 16, and 19 volt outputs and a USB port. The Impel model also has a 12 volt output. Brunton is embossed on the top of the battery pack, along with the power button and five LED lights.
The hazard
The power packs' lithium ion polymer batteries can overheat and catch on fire during charging, posing a fire hazard.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled power packs and contact Brunton for instructions on how to return the product for a full refund. Remedy type: Refund
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): The firm has received two reports of battery packs overheating and catching on fire; with one incident resulting in about $25,000 of property damage and another one in a garage burning down with property and smoke damage to the adjacent residence. No injuries have been reported.
Sold at: Adorama, Austin Canoe & Kayak, Moontrail, REI, The Clymb and other outdoor equipment retailers nationwide and online at www.amazon.com, www.backcountry.com, www.bhphotovideo.com, www.forestry-suppliers.com, and www.opticsplanet.com from February 2011 through May 2015 for about $300.
Consumer contact: Brunton Outdoor at 800-443-4871 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.brunton.com and click on Impel Charger Product Recall the top or bottom of the page for more information.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.