What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a critical recall affecting a specific line of consumer electronics branded as CT-ENERGY. Specifically, the agency is targeting the CT-ENERGY Lithium Coin Battery Chargers. These are not standard wall adapters or generic phone chargers; they are specialized devices designed to charge small, circular lithium coin batteries, which are commonly used in watches, calculators, and key fobs. The recall focuses exclusively on units bearing the model number "nc-02." If you own a charger from this brand but it carries a different model designation, it is not part of this specific safety action.
To help you identify whether your device is included in this recall, please look closely at the physical design and labeling. The product comes as a complete kit that includes the primary charging unit, four rechargeable 2032 lithium-ion batteries, and a USB cable for power connection. You can verify the brand by checking the front of the charger, where "CT-ENERGY" is clearly printed. To confirm the model, flip the device over to the back panel; the model number "nc-02" will be printed there. This combination of brand name and specific model number is the definitive identifier for the recalled items.
Regarding the scope of this recall, the official record provided by the CPSC details the nature of the product and the associated hazards but does not specify the exact total number of units sold or distributed. Similarly, while recalls typically involve specific sales channels and timeframes to help consumers determine eligibility, the current facts do not list the specific retailers, online platforms, or dates during which these chargers were purchased. However, the importer of record is identified as CT New Energy Technology. If you have a charger matching the description above—specifically the "nc-02" model containing four 2032 batteries—you should treat it as part of this recall until verified otherwise through the official contact channels.
This recall was officially announced on August 28, 2025. It is important to note that at the time of this announcement, there have been no reported incidents of injury or death related to these specific chargers. Despite the lack of reported injuries, the CPSC has determined that the design flaws pose a serious risk, prompting this immediate safety action. The absence of reported incidents does not mean the hazard is minor; rather, it highlights the importance of proactive prevention. By identifying and addressing the issue now, consumers can prevent potential harm before it occurs.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so urgent, it helps to look past the simple idea of a "small battery" and examine the specific physical and chemical dangers involved when these items interact with the human body. The core issue here isn't just that the batteries are small; it is how easily they can be accessed and what happens once they are swallowed. According to the CPSC, the CT-ENERGY lithium coin battery chargers violate safety standards because the lithium coin batteries inside can be accessed easily by children. This accessibility is a critical failure point in product design. If a child can remove or access the battery without significant effort, the risk shifts from a theoretical possibility to an immediate reality.
The mechanism of injury from ingested button cell or coin batteries is both rapid and severe. When these batteries are swallowed, they do not simply sit in the stomach like a piece of food. Instead, if the battery comes into contact with moist tissue—such as the esophagus—it can complete an electrical circuit. This process generates an external current that travels through the body tissue. The result is a rapid chemical reaction known as liquefactive necrosis. Essentially, the battery creates a localized electric arc that turns tissue into liquid, causing deep, internal chemical burns. This damage can occur in as little as two hours, often before a parent even realizes their child has swallowed the object.
Furthermore, the recall highlights additional packaging failures that compound this danger. The batteries provided with these chargers were not placed in child-resistant packaging, nor did the packaging include the mandatory warnings required by Reese’s Law. Child-resistant packaging is designed specifically to delay or prevent a young child from opening it, buying crucial time for adults to intervene. Without these barriers, and without clear visual warnings about the lethal risk, the path from curiosity to catastrophe becomes dangerously short.
While this specific recall involves lithium-ion batteries in a charger context, the hazard applies broadly to all coin batteries. Whether they are alkaline or lithium, once ingested, they pose a threat of serious injury or death. The danger is not limited to permanent tissue damage; it can also lead to perforation of the esophagus, which can damage nearby major blood vessels and cause fatal hemorrhaging. Because the symptoms of early ingestion can mimic those of a common cold or minor choking incident, parents might mistake the signs for something benign, delaying life-saving medical attention. Understanding that the physical act of swallowing triggers an immediate chemical burn process underscores why stopping use and removing the batteries is not just a recommendation, but a critical safety imperative.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing the most severe danger from this recall are young children, particularly those under the age of five. While parents and guardians purchase products like the CT-ENERGY Lithium Coin Battery Charger with the intent of convenience and safety for their electronics, the design flaws identified in this specific model inadvertently create a trap for little ones. The core issue is not just that batteries are present, but that they are accessible. In many households, coin cell batteries are kept in drawers or high shelves, out of reach. However, because this charger allows children to easily access the lithium coin batteries inside, the hazard moves from a stored item to an immediate threat. Toddlers and infants explore the world through their mouths, a natural developmental behavior that makes them uniquely vulnerable to ingestion. They may pick up the small, shiny batteries thinking they are candy or toys, leading to rapid and catastrophic consequences.
Beyond young children, anyone who shares living space with them is at indirect risk due to the anxiety and emergency situations this hazard creates. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers must remain hyper-vigilant, constantly checking not only for loose batteries but also for the charger itself. The stress of knowing a potentially lethal object is within reach can be overwhelming for families who rely on such chargers for daily convenience. Furthermore, while the recall does not specify incidents involving elderly individuals, general safety principles suggest that anyone with dexterity issues or cognitive impairments might struggle to secure the batteries properly after use, increasing the likelihood of accidental exposure to others in the home.
It is also important to recognize that the risk extends to anyone who interacts with the packaging. The recall notes that the coin batteries provided were not in child-resistant packaging and lacked the required warnings mandated by Reese’s Law. This means that even before a battery is removed from its box, it is already exposed. A curious child might tear open the outer packaging without adult supervision, gaining access to the hazardous components immediately. Therefore, the risk is not limited to the charger’s operational state but begins the moment the product is unboxed. Any household with young children must treat this item as a critical safety concern from the moment it arrives at their door.
While no incidents have been reported to date, the potential for harm is high because lithium coin batteries cause injury through a mechanism that is both fast and severe. When ingested, these batteries can become lodged in the esophagus, where they generate an electrical current that causes chemical burns to surrounding tissue within just two hours. This rapid timeline means that even well-meaning adults may not realize the urgency of the situation until it is too late. The combination of easy access, lack of warning labels, and the deadly nature of lithium batteries makes this a high-risk scenario for any family with young children.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action, it is crucial to confirm exactly which product you own. The recall issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) targets a very specific set of devices, and mistaking a different charger for this one could lead to unnecessary worry or, conversely, leave a dangerous item in your home. The affected products are CT-ENERGY Lithium Coin Battery Chargers. To verify if your device is part of this recall, you need to look for three distinct identifiers: the brand name, the model number, and the specific contents included in the package.
First, examine the front face of the charger unit. You should see the brand name "CT-ENERGY" clearly printed there. This is the primary visual cue that distinguishes this product from other generic or competing brands on the market. However, because brand names can sometimes be similar across different manufacturers, you must look deeper. Turn the device over to inspect the back panel. Here, you will find the model number printed as "nc-02". This alphanumeric code is the definitive marker for this specific recall. If your charger does not display "nc-02" on the back, it is not part of this particular safety notice, even if it looks similar or carries a different CT-ENERGY label.
In addition to the physical markings on the device itself, you should also check what came in the box. The recalled units are sold as a complete kit that includes the charger, four rechargeable 2032 lithium-ion batteries, and a USB cable. If you have the charger but only two batteries, or if the batteries are not the specific 2032 lithium-ion type, your item may fall outside the scope of this recall. The presence of exactly four 2032 batteries is a key characteristic of the recalled inventory.
If you have located a device with the "CT-ENERGY" brand on the front and the "nc-02" model number on the back, and it came with four 2032 batteries, you should treat it as part of this recall. Do not rely solely on where you bought it or how much you paid, as these details can vary by retailer. Instead, focus entirely on the printed identifiers and the included components. When in doubt, the safest approach is to stop using the device immediately and verify its status through the official contact channels provided by CT New Energy Technology.
What to do — step by step
If you own a CT-ENERGY Lithium Coin Battery Charger (model nc-02), your immediate priority is to eliminate the risk of accidental ingestion by children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified that the batteries inside these chargers can be accessed too easily and are not packaged in child-resistant materials as required by law. Because ingested button or coin batteries can cause severe internal chemical burns, death, or other serious injuries within just two hours, you must act quickly but calmly. Please follow these steps carefully to protect your household and secure your remedy.
- Stop Using the Charger Immediately. The first and most critical action is to cease all use of the device. Do not charge any more batteries with it, and do not allow anyone in your home, especially young children or pets, to handle the charger. The hazard lies in the accessibility of the lithium coin batteries within the unit itself, as well as the four spare rechargeable 2032 lithium-ion batteries included in the box. By stopping use now, you prevent further exposure to the unsafe design.
- Remove and Secure the Batteries. Carefully open the charger and remove all batteries—both the ones installed inside the device and the four spare rechargeable 2032 lithium-ion batteries that came with it. Place these batteries in a location that is completely inaccessible to children. Ideally, this means storing them in a locked container or a high shelf in a room with a door that does not open easily for little hands. Do not leave them on counters, tables, or in areas where they might be mistaken for candy or toys.
- Contact CT New Energy Technology for Your Remedy. You are entitled to a full refund, a Child-Resistant Safety Case, or a replacement kit. To initiate this process, you must contact the manufacturer directly. You can reach them via email at info@ct-energy.cn or by visiting their website at www.ct-energy.cn/about/22.html?land=en-us. Alternatively, go to the main site at www.ct-energy.cn and click on the "Urgent Product Safety Recall Notice" link located at the top of the page. Be sure to provide your model number (nc-02) and proof of purchase if available.
- Prepare for Battery Disposal Instructions. Note that complimentary repair kits and replacement kits will not be available until after August 30, 2025. In the meantime, you will likely be asked to submit photos as proof of safe battery disposal. To do this safely, completely submerge each used or removed battery in tap water for 24 hours. This soaking process discharges the battery, rendering it inert and significantly reducing the risk of chemical burns if a child were to come into contact with it. After the 24-hour period, you will need to take photos of the batteries while they are still submerged to send to the provided email address.
- Dispose of or Recycle the Batteries Responsibly. Once you have documented the soaking process, do not throw the batteries in your regular household trash. Button cell and coin batteries contain hazardous materials that can leak and contaminate the environment. Follow your local hazardous waste procedures for disposal. Many community recycling centers or hardware stores accept button batteries for proper recycling. Check with your local waste management authority to find the nearest drop-off location.
By following these steps, you not only protect your family from a potentially fatal hazard but also ensure that the defective products are removed from circulation safely. The manufacturer has established this specific protocol to balance immediate safety with the logistical reality of shipping replacement parts later in the year. Your cooperation in documenting the battery destruction is a key part of the recall process, ensuring that no discharged or partially charged batteries remain in homes where they could still pose a risk.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your CT-ENERGY Lithium Coin Battery Charger is part of this recall, the good news is that the manufacturer has established a clear and accessible path to resolve the issue. You are not required to keep a dangerous product, nor are you forced to buy new safety equipment if you do not wish to. CT New Energy Technology is offering three distinct remedies: a full refund, a replacement kit, or a complimentary repair kit. Importantly, they are also providing a Child-Resistant Safety Case for those who prefer to keep the charger but need it to meet safety standards. This flexibility allows you to choose the solution that best fits your household’s needs and comfort level.
To initiate any of these remedies, you must contact CT New Energy Technology directly. The primary method is via email at info@ct-energy.cn. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.ct-energy.cn/about/22.html?land=en-us or go to the main site at www.ct-energy.cn and click on the "Urgent Product Safety Recall Notice" link located at the very top of the page. These are the only official channels mentioned for this recall, so please avoid third-party sellers or generic support lines that may not be authorized to process these specific safety claims.
There is a specific timing detail you need to be aware of regarding the physical components of the remedy. While you can contact them immediately to start the process, the complimentary repair kits and replacement kits will not be available for shipment until after August 30, 2025. If you opt for a full refund, that process may proceed independently of this date, but if you need new physical parts or a safety case, you will need to plan for a short wait. This delay is likely due to the logistics of sourcing child-resistant packaging and manufacturing new safety cases in compliance with the updated Reese’s Law requirements.
A critical step in the remedy process involves the safe disposal of the current batteries. Because lithium coin batteries pose a serious ingestion hazard, you cannot simply throw them in the regular trash. CT New Energy Technology requires you to submit photos proving that the batteries have been destroyed. To do this safely at home, completely submerge the batteries in tap water for 24 hours. This soaking process discharges the battery, neutralizing its immediate electrical danger. After they are fully submerged and discharged, you should take them to a local hazardous waste facility or follow your local recycling procedures for batteries. Once this is done, send the photos of the submerged batteries to info@ct-energy.cn as part of your claim submission. This step ensures that no recalled batteries remain in circulation within your home or the general waste stream.
Remember, the goal here is not just to get your money back or a new box, but to ensure that the specific safety violations—the lack of child-resistant packaging and the accessible battery compartment—are permanently addressed. Whether you choose to walk away with a refund or stay with a safer, compliant replacement, following these steps precisely helps protect your family and contributes to the broader effort of keeping dangerous products off the market.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to want to keep using a new gadget, especially one that seems convenient and well-made. You might think the risk is low because your home feels safe, or perhaps you believe you are careful enough to prevent any accidents. However, ignoring this recall notice carries a very specific and severe danger that goes far beyond a simple product defect. The core issue here is not just that the charger is defective; it is that the design allows children to access lithium coin batteries with alarming ease. When you continue to use this CT-ENERGY charger without taking immediate action, you are leaving a lethal hazard within reach of the most vulnerable members of your household.
The primary consequence of ignoring this warning is the potential for battery ingestion by young children. Button cell and coin batteries are small enough to fit easily into a child’s mouth and airway. But the danger is not just choking; it is chemical. When a lithium coin battery becomes lodged in the esophagus, it can cause severe internal chemical burns within just two hours. This happens because the battery creates an electrical current when it comes into contact with bodily fluids, leading to rapid tissue damage. These injuries are often deep and serious, potentially causing permanent damage to the esophagus, trachea, or even major blood vessels nearby. In many cases, these internal burns require multiple surgeries to repair and can lead to life-threatening complications.
While there have been no reported incidents involving this specific CT-ENERGY model as of the recall date, the nature of this hazard means that waiting for a tragedy to occur is an unacceptable gamble. The CPSC recalls are proactive measures based on the high risk inherent in the product’s design flaws—specifically, the lack of child-resistant packaging and accessible battery compartments. By ignoring the remedy, you are essentially allowing a known danger to persist in your home. The batteries provided with this charger are not secured in a way that prevents curious hands from removing them. Once removed, if they are stored improperly or left within reach, the window for accidental ingestion remains open.
Beyond the immediate risk of ingestion, continuing to use non-compliant battery products contributes to a broader safety issue. These violations of Reese’s Law and mandatory safety standards exist because previous data has shown that standard packaging is insufficient to protect children. By not removing these batteries from your home, you are also missing out on the complimentary Child-Resistant Safety Case offered in the recall remedy. This case is specifically designed to prevent access, but only if you actively participate in the recall process. Ignoring the notice means you remain exposed to both the immediate ingestion risk and the ongoing frustration of dealing with a potentially hazardous product that should have been safely contained from day one.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a critical failure in how certain lithium coin batteries are packaged and accessed, the underlying danger of button and coin cell batteries is universal. These small, shiny discs are deceptively dangerous because they look like candies or toys to young children. Once swallowed, even a battery that has been used for a short time can cause severe internal chemical burns in as little as two hours. The good news is that prevention is largely about creating physical and visual barriers between these power sources and curious hands. The most effective strategy is to treat any device powered by coin batteries—whether it is a remote control, a key fob, a hearing aid, or a calculator—as a potential hazard zone until you are ready to use it.
First, always secure the battery compartments of your electronics. Many modern devices now come with screws that must be removed to open the battery slot. If your device does not have this feature, consider using specialized battery compartment tape designed for child safety. This simple step prevents a toddler from popping the cover off and accessing the batteries inside. Furthermore, never leave discarded batteries lying around on counters or tables. Even if they are dead, they can still hold enough charge to cause injury if ingested. Dispose of old batteries immediately in a secure container that children cannot open.
Second, be vigilant about where you store spare batteries. Coin cell batteries often come in blister packs that are easy for small fingers to tear open. Always keep these packages high up on shelves or in locked cabinets until you are ready to install them. When you do remove a battery from its packaging, do not place it loose in a pocket or bag where it could come into contact with other metal objects like keys or coins, which can cause the battery to heat up and leak. Instead, keep new batteries in their original packaging until the moment of installation.
Finally, stay informed about product safety through official channels. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regularly issues recalls for items that may not seem dangerous at first glance but pose hidden risks. You can sign up for email alerts on the CPSC website to receive notifications about new recalls relevant to your home. Additionally, teach older children and teenagers in your household about the dangers of battery ingestion. By fostering a culture of awareness and taking these straightforward preventive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidental injury and keep your home safer for everyone.