What was recalled
If you have been using a wireless charging pad recently, particularly one from the brand Bluefin, it is important to pause and check your device against this specific recall notice issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). On May 24, 2018, Bluefin announced that they were recalling certain wireless smartphone chargers due to safety concerns. This was not a broad recall of every charger the company ever made, but rather a targeted action regarding specific units that exhibited a manufacturing defect capable of causing overheating.
To help you determine if your device is part of this recall, you need to look closely at the physical characteristics and labeling of your charger. The recalled items are circular wireless smart phone chargers designed with clear edges and a white plastic center surrounded by black trim. If you hold one of these devices in your hand, it should measure approximately 3.9 inches in diameter and stand about 0.4 inches tall. These chargers come bundled with a black USB cable, which is used to connect the pad to a power source. However, the most critical identifier is the model number printed on the bottom of the unit. You must verify that the model number reads "AC16B." If your charger does not have this specific model number, it is likely not part of this recall, though you should always exercise caution with any electronic device showing signs of damage.
While the CPSC recall announcement provides detailed physical descriptions to help consumers identify the product, the official record does not specify the exact number of units sold or returned in this batch. Similarly, the provided facts do not list the specific retailers or online platforms where these chargers were originally purchased, nor do they detail the precise dates during which sales occurred. This lack of distribution data is common in certain recall notices, meaning that if your charger matches the physical description and model number mentioned above, it should be treated as part of the recall regardless of where or when you bought it.
The scope of this recall is defined strictly by the combination of the brand name, the physical design, and the model identifier. Bluefin, which operates under the parent company Logoincluded (as indicated by the contact email and website), issued this recall to address reports that their wireless chargers could overheat during normal use. Overheating electronics are not just an inconvenience; they represent a significant fire and burn risk. By identifying the exact product specifications, consumers can quickly filter out safe devices from those that need immediate attention, ensuring that only the potentially hazardous units are removed from daily use.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, a wireless phone charger is supposed to be the epitome of convenience: you simply set your device down, and it begins charging without the fuss of plugging in cables. However, the recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regarding Bluefin’s wireless chargers highlights a critical failure in this design. The specific danger here is overheating. While some warmth during operation is normal due to the conversion of electrical energy into magnetic fields and back into electricity, the recalled units have been documented to exceed safe temperature thresholds significantly.
To understand how this happens, we need to look at what is physically going on inside that circular device with the white plastic center and black trim. Wireless charging relies on electromagnetic induction. When your phone sits on the charger, a coil of wire inside the Bluefin unit creates a magnetic field. Your phone has a corresponding coil that captures this energy to charge its battery. This process is not 100% efficient; some energy is inevitably lost as heat. In a well-engineered device, heat sinks, airflow, and high-quality components dissipate this heat safely. However, in the case of these recalled chargers, the internal components appear to be failing to manage this thermal load effectively.
When the charger overheats, it is essentially trapping more energy than it can release into the surrounding air. This causes the surface temperature of the plastic housing to rise rapidly and potentially reach levels that are hot enough to cause a burn upon contact. Because the device is designed for your phone to rest directly on top of it, your hand may naturally rest on the charger while you wait for your phone to charge, or you might pick up the charger while it is still at peak temperature immediately after use. The hazard is not just about damaging your phone; it is about direct physical injury to the user.
The CPSC report notes that Bluefin has received three specific reports of these chargers overheating. While no injuries have been reported so far, the potential for harm is real and immediate. Burns from electronic devices can range from mild redness and discomfort to second-degree burns that require medical attention, especially if the skin is in prolonged contact with the heated surface. The risk is heightened because users often interact with these devices while distracted—checking notifications or moving around the room—and may not notice the rapid increase in temperature until it is too late.
It is also important to note that this hazard can occur even if the charger appears to be functioning normally from a charging perspective. A device can get dangerously hot without stopping the charging process, meaning you cannot rely on the phone’s behavior as an indicator of safety. If the unit feels unusually warm to the touch after just a short period of use, or if it becomes too hot to leave your hand on for more than a few seconds, that is a clear sign that the internal electrical resistance has become problematic. This overheating mechanism is why the remedy is not a repair, but a full refund and removal of the product from your home.
Who is most at risk
While the CPSC has noted that there have been three reported incidents of overheating with these Bluefin wireless chargers and no injuries have yet been recorded, the potential for harm exists for anyone who owns or uses this specific model. The primary group at risk includes individuals who keep their smartphones charging on their desks, nightstands, or bedside tables for extended periods. Because the hazard involves the device becoming excessively hot during operation, anyone who leaves the charger plugged in and active while sleeping or working is potentially exposed to thermal injury.
Certain demographics may be more vulnerable to the consequences of such a burn hazard than others. For instance, elderly individuals or those with reduced sensitivity in their hands or arms might not notice the gradual increase in temperature until damage has occurred. The skin on older adults can become thinner and more fragile, making it easier to sustain burns even from moderate heat sources that a younger person might find merely uncomfortable. Furthermore, people with conditions that affect nerve sensation, such as neuropathy, may have delayed or diminished ability to feel that the device is becoming dangerously hot, increasing their risk of sustained contact with a heated surface.
Children are another group that requires careful consideration in this context. Although the charger itself is not small enough to be a choking hazard, its location often places it within reach of curious hands. A child might touch the unit while it is charging and inadvertently sustain a burn from the hot plastic casing. Additionally, if a child were to move the device or knock it over while it is still energized, they could come into contact with the heated surface or the included black USB cable, which may also become warm during use. Parents should be particularly vigilant about ensuring that charging electronics are placed out of reach and are not left unattended in areas where children play.
It is also important to consider individuals who may be asleep when the incident occurs. The most dangerous scenario involves a user sleeping next to their phone while it charges on the nightstand. In this state, the person is less likely to react quickly to warning signs like unusual heat or smoke. If the charger overheats significantly, the risk of burns increases not just from direct touch, but potentially from igniting nearby flammable materials such as bedding, curtains, or wooden furniture. Therefore, anyone who charges their phone overnight should be aware that they are in a higher-risk category for this specific failure mode and should take immediate steps to mitigate that risk by stopping use of the recalled unit.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you own a wireless phone charger from Bluefin, taking a moment to inspect your device carefully is the most important step you can take right now. Because overheating hazards are often hidden inside sleek, modern designs, visual identification alone might not be enough. You need to look for specific physical characteristics and, most critically, the model number printed on the unit. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very specific set of criteria that define this recall. If your charger matches all of the following descriptions, you should stop using it immediately.
First, examine the shape and construction of the charger. The recalled items are circular in shape, designed to sit flat on a desk or nightstand. They feature clear edges, which likely gives them a glass-like or transparent rim appearance, surrounding a white plastic center. This central area is accented with black trim, creating a distinct contrast against the white and clear components. In terms of size, the recalled chargers measure approximately 3.9 inches in diameter and about 0.4 inches tall. If your charger feels significantly thicker or thinner than this, or if it has a square or rectangular form factor, it is likely not part of this specific recall batch.
Next, check the bottom of the device for the model number. This is the definitive identifier. Look closely at the underside of the charger and find the text printed there. The recalled units will have the model number AC16B clearly printed on the bottom. Without this specific alphanumeric code, the item is not part of this recall, regardless of how similar it looks to the ones described. It is also worth noting that these chargers come with a black USB cable included in the package. While the presence of a black cable does not confirm the model number, its absence might suggest you have a different version or a different brand entirely.
If you find that your charger matches the description above—circular shape, clear edges, white center with black trim, roughly 3.9 inches wide, and marked with model number AC16B on the bottom—you are in possession of a recalled product. Do not attempt to test it again to see if it overheats. Instead, proceed to contact Bluefin for a full refund as outlined in the remedy section. When you reach out, have your charger and the USB cable ready, though you may not need to return them depending on the instructions given by their customer service team.
What to do — step by step
If you own a wireless phone charger that matches the description of the Bluefin recall, your immediate next steps are straightforward but critical for your safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Bluefin have identified a specific overheating issue that can lead to burns, so acting quickly is the most important thing you can do. Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure you are protected and properly resolved.
- Stop using the charger immediately. This is the most vital step. If you have a circular wireless charger with clear edges, a white plastic center with black trim, measuring approximately 3.9 inches in diameter and 0.4 inches tall, and it has the model number AC16B printed on the bottom, please unplug it from your power source right away. Even though no injuries have been reported to date, the hazard is real: the device can overheat while in use. Continuing to charge your phone with this unit puts you at risk of thermal burns or other heat-related damage. Do not test it again to see if it works; simply put it aside in a safe location where it cannot accidentally be plugged back in.
- Contact Bluefin to initiate your refund. The remedy for this recall is a full refund, not a repair or replacement. You need to reach out to the company directly to arrange this. You can call their toll-free number at 877-211-7220, extension 145. They are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may send an email to recall@logoincluded.com. When you contact them, have your charger ready so you can confirm the model number and describe the physical characteristics (the clear edges and white center) if asked. This helps verify that your unit is indeed part of this specific recall batch.
- Visit their online resource for additional details. For those who prefer to handle things digitally or need more context, you can visit www.logoincluded.com. On the homepage, look for the recall link located at the bottom of the page. This section will likely provide further instructions on how to process your return, whether they require you to mail the unit back or if they are issuing a refund without requiring its return. Follow the specific digital prompts provided there to ensure your case is processed correctly.
- Keep your proof of purchase and correspondence. While not explicitly stated in the recall facts, it is generally wise to keep records of your communication with Bluefin. Save any email confirmations or note the date and time of your phone call. This ensures that if there are any delays in processing your refund, you have a clear paper trail demonstrating that you acted promptly upon learning of the hazard.
By following these steps, you remove the danger from your home and receive the financial compensation entitled to you under this recall. Please do not delay; safety should always come first.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When you discover that one of your everyday electronics is part of a safety recall, the immediate reaction is often a mix of frustration and anxiety. You might wonder if the company will make this difficult, or if you will be stuck with a potentially dangerous product. It is completely normal to feel concerned about the process, but in this specific case involving Bluefin, the remedy provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is straightforward and consumer-friendly. The primary option available to you is not a repair or a replacement unit, but a full refund. This means that once you follow the proper steps, you should receive your money back for the entire cost of the charger, allowing you to purchase a different, safer alternative without financial loss.
To initiate this process, you must contact Bluefin directly. The company has established specific channels to handle these inquiries efficiently. You have three main ways to reach them, and you can choose whichever method feels most comfortable for you. First, you can call their toll-free number at 877-211-7220. When you dial in, please remember to enter extension 145 when prompted. It is important to note the hours of operation for this service: they are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you can email them at recall@logoincluded.com. This option is particularly useful if you have photos of your product or specific questions that require a detailed response.
Alternatively, Bluefin has set up an online resource for this recall. You can visit their website at www.logoincluded.com. Once you are on the homepage, look carefully at the bottom of the page for a dedicated recall link. Clicking this link will guide you to the specific information regarding this wireless phone charger issue and provide further instructions on how to proceed with your refund claim. Using the online portal can be convenient if you are unable to call during business hours or if you prefer to manage the process digitally.
Why is a full refund the chosen remedy? In recalls involving overheating hazards, sending out replacement units that share the same design flaw is not a safe option. Therefore, the company has opted to remove the product from your home entirely and compensate you for it. This approach prioritizes your safety over retention of the customer. When you contact Bluefin through any of these methods, be prepared to provide details about your purchase, such as the model number AC16B, which is printed on the bottom of the unit. Having this information ready will help them verify your eligibility quickly and process your refund without unnecessary delays. Remember, the goal here is to ensure you are no longer at risk from the overheating hazard while making the resolution process as smooth as possible for you.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely natural to feel reluctant to stop using a device that has become part of your daily routine, especially when it offers the convenience of effortless wireless charging. You might look at the Bluefin charger and think it is still functioning perfectly fine because the phone is still powering up. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is a decision that leaves you vulnerable to a genuine physical threat. The core issue here is not just that the charger works, but that it does so in an unstable and dangerous way. By continuing to use the recalled unit, you are allowing a known defect to persist, turning a simple convenience item into a potential source of harm.
The specific hazard identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is overheating. When an electronic device designed to transfer energy wirelessly malfunctions, that excess energy does not simply disappear; it converts into heat. While a warm charger might be slightly annoying on your nightstand or desk, significant overheating can lead to much more severe outcomes. The primary risk stated in this recall is a burn hazard. If the internal components continue to generate excessive heat while you are sleeping, working, or otherwise distracted, the surface temperature of the charger can rise high enough to cause thermal injuries to your skin if you touch it. This is not a hypothetical scenario; the manufacturer has already documented three separate reports of these chargers overheating during normal use.
While no injuries have been reported with this specific batch as of the recall date, the absence of injury does not mean the risk is absent. It means that, so far, bad luck or careful monitoring has prevented physical harm. Continuing to use the device relies entirely on chance rather than safety. Beyond the immediate danger of burns to your hands or arms, an overheating electronic component poses a secondary fire risk. Plastic housings can melt, deform, or even ignite if internal temperatures get too high, potentially damaging your furniture, starting a small fire, or causing smoke damage in your home. The black USB cable included with the charger also becomes a potential hazard point, as fraying insulation from heat stress could lead to short circuits.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall means you are forfeiting your right to a full refund for a defective product. You are essentially choosing to keep a faulty item rather than exchanging it for a safe one or getting your money back. The Bluefin charger is circular with clear edges and a white plastic center, but its appearance does not indicate its internal safety status. The only way to ensure that you are not gambling with your personal safety is to act now. Every day you continue to plug in this model AC16B charger is another day you expose yourself and your household to the possibility of a burn or a fire incident that could have been entirely avoided.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a defect in a particular model of Bluefin wireless charger, the underlying issue—electronic devices overheating during charging—is a common concern for anyone who relies on modern technology to keep their devices powered. Wireless charging has become incredibly convenient, allowing us to simply drop our phones onto a pad without fumbling with cables. However, that convenience comes with a trade-off in heat generation. Understanding how these devices work and taking simple precautions can help you enjoy the benefits of wireless charging while minimizing risks to your home and safety.
First, it is important to understand why wireless chargers get warm. Unlike wired charging, which transfers energy directly through a conductive cable, wireless charging uses electromagnetic induction. This process is inherently less efficient, meaning a significant portion of the electrical energy is converted into heat rather than battery power. Some warmth is normal and expected; in fact, many manufacturers design their devices to operate at temperatures that feel warm to the touch but are within safe limits. The danger arises when ventilation is blocked, the device is damaged, or it is used with a phone case that traps heat. To prevent overheating, always place your wireless charger on a hard, flat surface. Avoid using it on soft surfaces like beds, couches, or pillows, as these materials can trap heat and block airflow, causing the device to run hotter than intended.
Another critical aspect of safety is regular inspection of your charging equipment. Over time, cables can fray, ports can loosen, and internal components can degrade due to power surges or manufacturing wear. Make it a habit to check your chargers periodically for any signs of damage, such as exposed wires, discoloration, or unusual odors. If you notice that a charger is getting excessively hot—too hot to keep your hand on it for more than a few seconds—unplug it immediately and let it cool down. Do not attempt to use a damaged charger, even if it appears to be working correctly, as internal shorts can lead to fire hazards or electric shocks.
Furthermore, consider the environment in which you charge your devices. Avoid placing electronic chargers near flammable materials such as curtains, paper stacks, or bedding. Keep them away from water sources and do not use them in humid environments like bathrooms unless they are specifically rated for such conditions. It is also wise to unplug chargers when not in use for extended periods. Leaving a charger plugged in but not connected to a device can still draw "phantom power" and generate low levels of heat, which adds up over time.
Finally, stay informed about product safety by periodically checking official recall databases like those provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Manufacturers may issue recalls for newer models or related products as they identify potential issues in the field. Subscribing to recall alerts can ensure you are notified quickly if a device you own is found to be unsafe. By staying vigilant and following these general safety practices, you can protect your home and family from preventable hazards associated with everyday electronics.