Battery Dangers a Reason to Not Allow Independent Device Repair, FTC Told
PRBA-The Rechargeable Battery Association hopes the FTC considers safety issues “as it explores repair options associated with lithium ion batteries and the devices they power,” commented the group in docket FTC-2019-0013. The agency sought comments to prepare for a July…
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16 “Nixing the Fix” workshop on whether manufacturer restrictions on third-party repairs can thwart consumer protections in the 1975 Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Monday was the first time the FTC posted the comments it received by the April 30 deadline. We had filed a Freedom of Information Act request for all such documents (see 1906030020). Lithium ion batteries are “the chemistry of choice today for small, rechargeable consumer batteries,” said PRBA, whose members include Apple, Duracell, Energizer, LG Chem, Microsoft, Motorola, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony, plus automakers Ford, General Motors and Toyota. “These batteries are safe, popular, and enable innovative portable electronic devices to function in an efficient and safe manner.” The batteries, the devices they power and their “associated chargers” are “designed to operate as a ‘system’ with redundant and sophisticated safety components, said PRBA. “Lack of understanding of these critical safety components that can be damaged during repairs by consumers or poorly trained service centers could ultimately jeopardize the safety of consumers and the public in general.” Right-to-repair advocacy company iFixit had conceded “there’s always going to be some risk involved during a repair,” but said the risk mostly is “pretty low” (see this publication, May 17). It didn’t comment Tuesday.