January 7, 2026 – A consumer reported that an Energizer Recharge Value Charger, model E301033719, exploded while in use, scattering debris and shrapnel that embedded in kitchen cabinets and drywall. The incident highlights potential safety risks associated with certain battery charging devices and the importance of consumer vigilance.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On November 4, 2025, a consumer purchased an Energizer Recharge Value Charger, model E301033719, from a Menards store in Joliet, IL. Upon its initial use, the charger took approximately eight hours to fully charge the batteries that came with the unit. Two days later, on November 6, the consumer placed two batteries into the charger for recharging. Approximately three hours into the charging cycle, the unit reportedly exploded. The force of the explosion was significant enough to spread shrapnel and debris throughout the kitchen and into adjacent rooms. The incident resulted in property damage, with one piece of metal becoming embedded in an oak cabinet and another in a drywall wall. Fortunately, no personal injuries were reported in this specific incident.
Safety Concerns
The reported explosion of a battery charger presents severe safety concerns for consumers:
- Immediate Dangers: An exploding device poses an immediate risk of injury from flying shrapnel, which can cause cuts, punctures, and eye damage. There is also a risk of burns from superheated components or chemical exposure if battery contents are ejected.
- Fire Hazard: Explosions, especially involving electrical devices and batteries, can easily ignite flammable materials in the vicinity, leading to house fires.
- Property Damage: As demonstrated by the incident, flying debris can cause significant and costly damage to household property, including furniture, walls, and other electronics.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone in close proximity to the charging device at the time of an explosion is at risk. This includes adults, children, and pets. Given that chargers are often used in common areas like kitchens or living rooms, the potential for harm is widespread within a household.
- Long-Term Risks: While not reported in this specific incident, inhalation of fumes or contact with chemicals released during an explosion could pose health risks.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own an Energizer Recharge Value Charger, particularly model E301033719, or any similar battery charger, please take the following actions:
- Immediate Steps: If you observe any unusual heating, bulging, hissing, or smoke from your charger, immediately and safely unplug it if possible. Move it to a non-flammable surface, away from combustible materials and people. Do not attempt to use a device that shows any signs of malfunction.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Locate the model number on your Energizer battery charger. It is typically found on the back or bottom of the unit. Confirm if it matches model E301033719.
- Prevention Measures: Always supervise charging devices, especially during the initial stages or if the charger is old. Ensure the charger is placed on a hard, non-flammable surface, away from curtains, papers, or other combustible materials. Do not charge batteries overnight or when you are not home. Only use batteries recommended by the manufacturer and avoid using damaged or aftermarket batteries.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident or discover a potential defect with this or any other consumer product, please report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify hazardous products and protect other consumers.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer’s response to this specific incident is currently unknown. Consumers with concerns about their Energizer Recharge Value Charger are advised to contact Energizer directly.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.