Imagine Nation Books Recalls Wireless Charging Pads Due to Burn Hazard

What was recalled

If you have been using a wireless charging pad recently, it is important to know exactly which products are part of this specific safety recall. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced that Imagine Nation Books, in conjunction with Collective Goods, is recalling two specific models of wireless phone chargers due to safety concerns. This action was taken after internal reviews and consumer reports indicated that these devices do not perform as safely as intended under normal use conditions.

The recall specifically targets two distinct product lines that share similar physical characteristics but are sold under different brand names. The first product is the Pro Charge Power Wireless Charging Pad. The second product is the Sharper Image Wireless Charging Pad. While these items may look nearly identical to the average consumer, they are identified by their specific branding and unique Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) numbers printed on the bottom of each device. It is crucial to check these identifiers because having one model does not automatically mean you have the other, even though both are included in this recall notice.

To help you visually identify if your device is part of this batch, please look for the following physical description. Both recalled charging pads are circular in shape. They feature clear edges that surround a black plastic center. A key visual identifier is the red trim located around the edge of the black center. On the front face of the charger, you should see the words "Pro Charge Power" and "Wireless Charging Pad" printed clearly. If you have the Sharper Image version, it will bear that brand name but share the same general aesthetic.

Each recalled unit comes with a black USB power cable attached or included for connectivity. To definitively confirm if your device is affected, you must turn the pad over and look at the bottom surface. The SKU number is printed there. If your Pro Charge Power Wireless Charging Pad has SKU # 74655, it is included in this recall. If your Sharper Image Wireless Charging Pad has SKU # 74709, it is also subject to this recall. These numbers are the most reliable way to distinguish these recalled units from any newer or different models that may be on the market.

These products were distributed through various retail channels, though the primary point of contact for verification and resolution is Imagine Nation Books. The recall was officially announced on May 9, 2019. If you purchased a wireless charger around this time or earlier from retailers carrying Imagine Nation Books or Collective Goods products, there is a possibility your device is one of the affected units. It is not enough to rely solely on the brand name; the specific SKU numbers are the definitive proof of whether your item falls within this safety notice.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, a wireless charging pad seems like magic. You simply set your phone on the surface, and energy flows through the air to replenish your battery without the tangle of cables. However, this convenience relies on a physical process called electromagnetic induction, which inherently generates heat as a byproduct. To understand why the recalled Imagine Nation Books chargers pose a burn risk, it helps to look at what is happening inside the device when it fails.

Wireless charging works by creating a magnetic field between two coils: one in the charger and one in your phone. Ideally, this transfer is efficient enough that only a small amount of energy is lost as heat. But when components degrade, are manufactured with poor tolerances, or lack adequate thermal management, the system can become inefficient. In the case of these specific Pro Charge Power and Sharper Image models, the internal electronics appear to be malfunctioning in a way that prevents proper heat dissipation. Instead of the warmth being evenly distributed and harmless, the energy is trapped within the device, causing the temperature to climb rapidly beyond safe limits.

This overheating is not just about a hot surface; it is about uncontrolled thermal buildup. When the internal circuitry cannot regulate the power flow correctly, resistance increases, turning electrical energy directly into intense heat. The recalled units, which feature a black plastic center and red trim, likely have materials or insulation that do not withstand these elevated temperatures. As the device gets hotter, the plastic housing can soften or warp, and the surface temperature can rise high enough to cause immediate discomfort or injury upon touch. More critically, this excess heat does not stay contained within the charger.

The danger extends beyond personal injury to property damage. Because these chargers are often left unattended on nightstands, desks, or bedside tables for hours at a time, the persistent heat can transfer to the surfaces beneath them. The recall records confirm that this has already happened: consumers reported minor damage to furniture and bedding. This occurs because many household surfaces—such as varnished wood, laminate, or synthetic fabrics—are sensitive to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The charger essentially acts as a slow-burning hot plate, scorching finishes or melting fibers without any visible flame.

It is important to note that while the CPSC and Imagine Nation Books have received ten reports of overheating leading to property damage, no injuries have been reported so far. This does not mean the risk is low; it means that in these specific instances, the heat did not touch skin directly or was noticed before contact occurred. However, burn hazards are unpredictable. A charger that gets hot enough to damage a wooden table can easily reach temperatures capable of causing second-degree burns on human skin if left unmonitored. The mechanism of failure is serious because it turns a passive object into an active heat source with no automatic shut-off or warning system.

Understanding this helps clarify why simply "being careful" is not enough. You cannot visually inspect a wireless charger to see if its internal coils are misaligned or if its thermal regulators have failed. The defect is hidden inside the casing. Therefore, the only way to eliminate the risk of overheating, potential burns, and property damage is to remove the device from your home entirely and seek a full refund as outlined in the remedy section.

Who is most at risk

The primary group facing risk from this recall consists of anyone who owns or regularly uses the specific Imagine Nation Books wireless charging pads, particularly the Pro Charge Power and Sharper Image models identified by their unique SKUs. Because these devices are designed to be left plugged in and active for extended periods while charging smartphones, they create a continuous point of heat generation within a home environment. The hazard is not limited to the user holding the device; rather, it affects anyone who has placed the charger on combustible or heat-sensitive surfaces such as wooden nightstands, upholstered sofas, bedsheets, or delicate furniture finishes. If you have purchased these items from Collective Goods or Imagine Nation Books in the past, you are part of the affected population until you take action to resolve the issue.

While no injuries have been reported in the ten documented incidents, the nature of the hazard—overheating that damages surfaces—creates a disproportionate risk for certain demographics. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable because they often interact with household items in unpredictable ways. A child might place their toy or hand on a charging pad that has become hot during use, or a pet may curl up on a warm surface near the charger. Although the reports indicate minor damage to furniture rather than direct burns to people, the potential for accidental contact with an overheating electronic device is a significant concern in households with young children or animals who cannot recognize warning signs like heat or unusual smells.

Elderly individuals or those with reduced mobility may also face heightened risk. This demographic might be more likely to use wireless charging pads on bedside tables or living room furniture where they spend extended periods of time. If the charger overheats while left unattended in a bedroom or seating area, the risk extends beyond property damage to potential smoke inhalation or fire hazards if the heat builds up unnoticed for too long. Furthermore, individuals with sensory impairments might not notice the gradual increase in temperature until it becomes dangerous, making immediate cessation of use critical.

Additionally, anyone who uses these chargers on soft surfaces like beds, couches, or carpets is at greater risk than those using them on hard, heat-dissipating surfaces. Soft materials can trap heat against the charging pad’s base, exacerbating the overheating problem. If you fall into any of these categories—whether due to having children, pets, elderly relatives, or simply using the charger in a way that traps heat—you should prioritize removing the device from your home immediately. The risk is not just about the charger breaking; it is about preventing a small electrical fault from escalating into a household fire or causing harm to vulnerable family members who rely on your vigilance for their safety.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before taking any action, you need to be absolutely certain that the wireless charging pad you own is part of this specific recall. Imagine Nation Books has identified two distinct product lines that are affected by this safety issue: the Pro Charge Power Wireless Charging Pad and the Sharper Image Wireless Charging Pad. Because these items can look very similar to other standard chargers on the market, relying solely on the brand name might not be enough if you have forgotten which version you purchased. Instead, you must inspect the physical characteristics of the device and, most importantly, check the serial or SKU information printed on the unit itself.

Start by looking at the top surface of the charger. The recalled units are circular in shape and feature a very specific design aesthetic. You should see clear edges surrounding a black plastic center. A key visual identifier is the red trim that accents the black center. On the front face of the device, you will find printed text. Look carefully for the words "Pro Charge Power" or "Wireless Charging Pad." If your charger matches this description—circular, clear edges, black center with red trim, and that specific labeling—it is a strong candidate for inclusion in this recall.

However, visual inspection alone is not enough to confirm your device is part of the official list. You must turn the charging pad over to examine the bottom. The manufacturer has printed a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number on the underside of the device. This is your definitive proof. If you have a Pro Charge Power Wireless Charging Pad, it should display SKU # 74655. If you have the Sharper Image version, the number will be SKU # 74709. These specific numbers are the only way to distinguish the recalled items from newer, safe models that may look identical on the outside.

If you cannot find these SKUs or if the design does not match the description of clear edges and red trim, your charger is likely not part of this recall. Keep in mind that this recall was announced on May 9, 2019. If you purchased these items significantly after that date, they may be newer versions that do not carry the burn hazard. Nevertheless, if you have an older unit matching the SKUs # 74655 or # 74709, stop using it immediately. Do not rely on price or general sales location to identify it; the SKU is the critical piece of data you need to verify your safety.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that you own one of the recalled wireless charging pads, the good news is that the remedy offered by Imagine Nation Books and Collective Goods is straightforward and consumer-friendly: a full refund. Unlike some recalls that require you to ship the defective product back at your own expense or wait weeks for a replacement part, this recall prioritizes giving you your money back so you can replace the unsafe item with a different brand of charger that does not pose a burn risk. This approach is common in cases involving minor damage incidents where the primary concern is preventing future overheating rather than fixing a mechanical flaw in the original unit.

To initiate this process, you will need to contact Imagine Nation Books directly. The company has established specific channels for consumers to reach them regarding this recall. You can call their dedicated hotline at 800-201-5606. It is important to note the hours of operation for this line: it is available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Friday. If you are calling from a different time zone, please account for the time difference to ensure you reach them during their business hours. Alternatively, if you prefer written communication or need to provide details in writing, you may send an email to ProductRecall@Collectivegoods.com. This email address is specifically designated for recall inquiries, which helps ensure your request is routed to the correct team quickly.

For those who prefer to manage their recall claims online, Imagine Nation Books and Collective Goods have set up a dedicated section on their website at www.collectivegoods.com. You should navigate to this site and look for the "Recall" section. This portal likely provides additional forms or instructions to streamline the refund process. Having your product’s SKU number ready will be helpful during any of these interactions. As noted in the product description, the Pro Charge Power Wireless Charging Pad has SKU # 74655, while the Sharper Image Wireless Charging Pad has SKU # 74709. Providing this information upfront can help customer service representatives verify your product model and expedite your refund.

The "why" behind offering a full refund rather than a repair is rooted in safety. Because these units have been reported to overheat and cause minor damage to furniture or bedding, the manufacturer has determined that repairing the internal components is not the safest path forward. A full refund allows you to remove the hazard from your home entirely and purchase a new charging solution that meets current safety standards. There are no mentioned conditions such as needing to return the original unit for credit; the focus is on immediate cessation of use and financial restitution. Please stop using the charger immediately upon confirming it is part of this recall, and do not attempt to disassemble or fix it yourself.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a convenient gadget like a wireless charging pad. These devices offer a level of comfort and simplicity that we have come to rely on, making it easy to justify keeping it plugged in "just for tonight" or assuming the issue will resolve itself. However, when a product carries a recall notice due to a thermal hazard, ignoring that warning is not merely an inconvenience; it is a genuine safety risk that can escalate quickly. The core danger here is heat. Wireless charging technology works by transferring energy through electromagnetic fields, and while this process is generally efficient, the recalled Imagine Nation Books chargers have been identified as having a flaw that causes them to overheat during normal use.

The immediate consequence of ignoring this defect is exposure to high temperatures that the device was not designed to safely contain. In the reports received by Imagine Nation Books and Collective Goods, ten instances were documented where these pads overheated significantly enough to damage the surfaces they were resting on. While no physical injuries to people have been reported to date, the potential for harm exists. Furniture finishes, such as varnished wood or laminate, can be scorched or warped by prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Bedding materials, including synthetic fibers in sheets and blankets, can melt or become singed. This creates a messy, costly cleanup situation and potentially ruins personal items that may have sentimental or financial value.

The risk extends beyond just surface damage. When an electronic device consistently overheats, it indicates that the internal components are failing to manage electrical resistance properly. If left unchecked, this thermal buildup can lead to more severe outcomes. In worst-case scenarios, excessive heat can degrade the battery of your smartphone if it remains on the pad, potentially leading to battery swelling or, in rare but serious cases, thermal runaway which could cause a fire. Even without reaching that extreme, you are essentially using a device that is malfunctioning as an electrical heater rather than a charger, which poses a burn hazard to anyone who touches the surface while it is active or immediately after it has been used.

Furthermore, continuing to use a recalled product can create additional liability and hassle for you. If a fire or significant property damage occurs because you continued to use a known defective product after being notified of its dangers, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provider might question the circumstances of the incident. The recall notice is an official acknowledgment that the manufacturer knows the product is unsafe. By choosing to ignore it, you are consciously accepting that risk. The most prudent path is to disconnect the device immediately and follow the remedy process. It is far easier to deal with the minor inconvenience of shipping a charger back for a refund than it is to manage the aftermath of a burned table or a damaged piece of furniture caused by negligence.

Staying safe: broader tips

Wireless charging technology has become an indispensable part of our daily routines, offering the convenience of dropping a phone onto a pad without fumbling with cables. However, because this method relies on electromagnetic induction to transfer energy, it inherently generates more heat than traditional wired charging. Understanding how to manage this heat is crucial for preventing accidents and extending the life of both your charger and your device. The primary rule of thumb is ventilation. Most manufacturers design these pads with specific airflow requirements in mind. Placing a wireless charger on thick bedding, plush rugs, or under a pile of clothes traps that generated heat against the surface. This lack of air circulation can cause the internal components to overheat rapidly, not only increasing the risk of burns but also degrading your phone’s battery health over time. Always place your charging pad on a hard, flat, non-flammable surface like a desk, nightstand, or table.

Another critical aspect of safe usage is monitoring what lies between your phone and the charger. Many people use decorative cases, metal plates, or even thick protective covers that were not designed with wireless charging in mind. These materials can act as insulators, trapping heat within the charging coil area. If you notice your pad becoming uncomfortably hot to the touch, or if your phone feels unusually warm during a session, remove the device immediately and allow both items to cool down. It is also wise to periodically inspect the surface of your charging pad for any signs of wear, discoloration, or damage to the casing, which could indicate internal component failure before it becomes a serious hazard.

Beyond physical safety, being proactive about product recalls is an essential part of modern consumer responsibility. Manufacturers and regulatory bodies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issue recalls when hidden defects are discovered that could pose risks to users. These issues are often not apparent during normal use until it is too late. To stay protected, you should register your electronics with the manufacturer whenever possible, as this ensures you receive direct notifications if a safety issue arises. Additionally, periodically checking the CPSC website or subscribing to their email alerts can keep you informed about new recalls across various product categories, from kitchen appliances to children’s toys. By staying informed and practicing mindful charging habits, you can enjoy the convenience of modern technology without compromising your home’s safety.

• Keep it cool: Never cover a wireless charger with fabric or place it on soft surfaces while in use.
• Check your case: Ensure your phone case is compatible with wireless charging and does not contain metal parts that interfere with the process.
• Stay alert: Regularly check official recall databases for updates on products you own.