16 Mar Portable power station recalled due to fire risk

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is urging people who own Gizzu 300Wh and 500W power stations to stop using them immediately due to a fire hazard.

According to the NCC, they were informed of the issue by the product importer and distributor, Syntech Distribution. The product was imported from China and the devices “combusted while charging”, the organisation stated.

It is thought that the affected power stations are prone to a battery manufacturing flaw that could cause the unit to explode or melt whilst charging. In addition, it could emit a cloud of smoke also presenting a fire hazard.

According to Acting National Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza, 3,500 units are estimated to have been sold.

South Africans are already grappling with the effects of rolling blackouts and attempting to evade load shedding in light of this. The last three years has seen load shedding become a constant in the country, as Eskom’s ability to deliver a stable power supply is declining.

Ryan Martyn, Director and Co-Founder of Syntech Distribution, said: “We know how important it is to keep the electricity flowing, so we will do everything in our power to replace affected portable power stations as soon as possible.

“We all know that load shedding is with us for the foreseeable future. Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular for use in a range of devices, including inverter and solar batteries, battery back-up systems and power banks.”

Check if your device is affected by the recall.

There’s been a number of recent recalls – most prominently for Ford Motor Cars and Mercedes Benz.