Brunton has announced a recall of the Impel and Impel 2 power packs’ lithium ion batteries due to the possibility of overheating and catching on fire during charging. The company has already reported two incidents. Following is the official release from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
Recall date: April 19, 2016
Recall number: 16-148
Recall Summary
Name of product:
Rechargeable battery packs
Hazard:
The power packs’ lithium ion polymer batteries can overheat and catch on fire during charging, posing a fire hazard.
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.
Recall Details
Units
About 1,050 in the U.S. (in addition, about 40 were sold in Canada)
Description
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.
Incidents/Injuries
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.
Importer(s)
Brunton Outdoor Inc., of Louisville, Colo.
Manufactured in
China
The battery packs have 16, and 19 volt outputs and a USB port. The Impel model also has a 12 volt output.
