Overheating Causes Charger Recall
The Whistler Group, Inc., of Bentonville, Ark., has recalled about 10,400 units of its Jump&Go Portable Jumpstart & Power Supply 12V power supplies because their lithium battery can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
The Whistler Group, Inc., of Bentonville, Ark., has recalled about 10,400 units of its Jump&Go Portable Jumpstart & Power Supply 12V power supplies. The unit's lithium battery can overheat and cause the units to melt, catch fire, and ignite nearby items, posing a fire hazard to consumers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced April 28.
Whistler has received 45 reports of units overheating and melting, including 18 reports of fires that resulted in approximately $16,000 in property damage. No injuries have been reported, according to CPSC.
These are pocket-sized units measuring about 5.1 inches tall, 3 inches wide, and 0.9 inches thick. Red, black, yellow, and pink units were sold in Hammacher Schlemmer, Radio Shack, Walmart, and other retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Sears.com, and Staples.com from May 2014 to October 2014 for between $60 and $120. The units have detachable jumper cables; a built-in high-output LED flashlight with emergency flashing patterns; and a USB port to charge phones, tablets, cameras, and other electronic devices. Recalled model numbers start with WJS-3000. Recalled units have date codes in YYYY/WW format from 201404 through 201439. The model number and date code are on the back of the unit under the colored silicone boot. The date code is stamped on the case adjacent to the operational label. The model number is on the operational label. Units that have a serial number on the operation label are not included in this recall.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled unit and contact Whistler for a free replacement, including shipping to return the recalled unit. (Call Whistler toll-free at 855-667-9081 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT weekdays or online at www.whistlergroup.com and click on Safety Recall at the bottom of the page for more information.