PSA: AmazonBasics Electronics Are a Fire Hazard (You Can Get Refunded)

prophet on 14/09/2020 - 12:06
Last edited 14/09/2020 - 12:23

Hey guys. CNN reported AmazonBasics electronics are spontaneously catching fire. Items include basic electronics such as USB cables, chargers, surge protectors, extension cords, and batteries (see end of linked article for list of items). Amazon (both AU and US stores) are still selling these items and has not issued any recalls.

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/09/10/business/amazonbasics-ele…

I bought a few AmazonBasics electronics over a year ago. They haven't had any issues so far (thank goodness), but I managed to get refunded by Amazon. Quoted the CNN article and ACL's warranty requirements. As we head closer towards another summer, the last thing we need are more fires.

Let me know if anyone else manages to get their items refunded.

Electrical & Electronics AmazonBasics

Related Stores

Amazon US
Amazon US

Comments

  • SnoozeAndLose on 14/09/2020 - 12:13

    So you get the refund and still using it?

    • prophet on 14/09/2020 - 12:16
      +2

      Nope. Going to destroy and trash the items. Don't want anyone to use them by mistake. You won't want to use them once you've seen the photos in the CNN article..

  • bdl on 14/09/2020 - 12:14
    +8

    As we head closer towards another summer, the last thing we need are more fires.

    I'm pretty sure the bushfires that have been experienced the past 12 months were started by people plugging AmazonBasics equipment into a tree.

    • bdl on 14/09/2020 - 13:48

      oops, i meant to type "were not", but you caught my drift :)

  • penguincat on 14/09/2020 - 12:24

    Oh huh. I thought some of the amazonbasic cables where considered to be pretty decent.
    I seem to own 3 different cables that are on the list. I rarely use them but I guess I'll need to find replacements.
    Anyone know of any USB cables that are good and are able to be bought locally?

  • jayboi on 14/09/2020 - 12:34
    +1

    my fire TV stick came with amazon basics batteries, I just got my fire tv stick and I might call amazon to partial refund me so I could order some batteries and throw these out

  • BargainCowboy on 14/09/2020 - 12:34
    +1

    Thanks for this, I have an Amazon Basics micro-USB, will definitely get rid of it.

  • AustriaBargain on 14/09/2020 - 12:47
    +2

    I use genuine Apple stuff, unless it's just a data cable. I've read too many stories of people dying because of cheap chargers and cables.

    I did used to think that Amazon Basics MFi cables were decent quality though, I thought they had a good rep, but it shows what I know. I still never bought them though.

  • jayboi on 06/10/2020 - 16:56
    +1

    I live chatted with amazon about the batteries and they told me it was fake news and reviews, and they said that they have high quality control. LOL, But they said they will give me a $15 credit anyway

    • prophet on 06/10/2020 - 22:06

      Fake news .. sure .. lol. Even if so, wouldn't risk it anyways.

      • jayboi on 06/10/2020 - 22:14
        +1

        Yeah I know, they are trying to cover up BIG TIME, even after seeing the video of the issues, it is 100% real news. They said it is such a sharp way “Don’t believe this fake news” literally their words. Anyway I still like amazon and got a $15 credit for free anyway

        • prophet on 06/10/2020 - 22:19

          That's is quite a response from them. I suppose you said it was CNN and they still called it fake news..

          • jayboi on 06/10/2020 - 22:21
            +1

            @prophet: I actually gave them a link to the article on live chat

      • jayboi on 06/10/2020 - 22:19
        +1

        And even on CNN i think it’s said that amazon refused to comment, so definitely a cover up

        • prophet on 06/10/2020 - 22:21

          Am rather disappointed that this post didn't take off tbh, considering the gravity of issue. Was hoping OzBargainers will be able to make a bit of a wave and make Amazon take it seriously.

          • jayboi on 06/10/2020 - 22:29
            +1

            @prophet: Yep, even the amazon employee said “I am personally using this battery and have had no issue. They are clean and you can use them”
            CLEAN!!!!! OMFG, they don’t even know what they are saying.
            I didn’t bother arguing and just took my credit

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