Recall of portable chargers expanded, more fires reported

Health Canada has published an expanded recall of ESR HaloLock wireless power blocks used for mobile phone charging. The department said the lithium-ion battery within the recalled power banks can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

“As of Sept. 26, 2025, the company has received nine reports of fire resulting in property damage in Canada, and no reports of injuries,” Health Canada said in a release on Thursday.

“In the United States, the company has received 11 reports of fire resulting in property damage and no reports of injuries.”

The recall is for all ESR HaloLock Wireless Power Bank products with model numbers 2G520, 2G505B, 2G512B and 2G505.

The model number can be found on the side of the power banks, which come in a variety of colours, according to the release, including black, white, light blue, dark blue and grey.

In August, Health Canada originally identified only three of the four models now being recalled after the company had received five reports of fires in Canada and nine in the U.S. as of the end of July.

Those who own any of the recalled products are advised to stop using them immediately and to contact Waymeet Limited for a full refund, while disposing of the products safely based on municipal guidelines.

According to the company, 11,757 units of the affected products were sold in Canada between October 2022 and July 2025, mainly bought through Amazon and The Home Depot website.

Health Canada noted in its release that the Consumer Product Safety Act legally prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away.

The expanded recall comes as many Canadian municipalities up their efforts to educate the public on the proper storage and use of lithium-ion batteries, which are being used more frequently in a range of products from electronics to bikes and scooters.