Prior to the 21st century, individuals were utilizing chemicals and electronic devices without fully understanding the health impacts of the waste produced by these products. Certain items were found to cause diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. In response, the European Union introduced the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive.
This directive was enacted as legislation in every member state, placing restrictions on the use of specific hazardous materials in the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment. The objective behind RoHS was to decrease the production and utilization of hazardous goods, thereby mitigating the environmental and health consequences associated with commonly used electronics.
What Does ROHS Compliance Mean?
So, what constitutes ROHS compliance? A ROHS-compliant product is one that has its hazardous substance levels and disposal difficulty capped at a prescribed maximum limit. The primary aim of ROHS is to facilitate reduction by placing restrictions on certain hazardous materials that were previously used in electrical and electronic equipment. ROHS operates in tandem with the Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive to achieve this shared objective.
Some of the restricted materials under ROHS include;
- Lead (Pb)
- Cadmium (Cd)
- Mercury (Hg)
- Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)
- Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI)
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
- Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
- Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
- Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
ROHS-Compliant Wire Harnesses
Wire harnesses that adhere to ROHS standards encompass materials such as vinyl, PVC, and Thermoplastic Polyurethane. These materials are suitable for various environmental conditions and have been proven safe for creating efficient ROHS-compliant wire harnesses.
Vinyl Plastic Tape Wire Harness
Electro Tape is a ROHS-3 certified electrical tape used in wire harnesses. Its design ensures optimal performance in temperatures up to 80°C. These vinyl wire harnesses offer exceptional resistance to corrosion, abrasion, fluctuating weather conditions, alkalies, moisture, and acids. Their adhesive and elastic properties allow the vinyl plastic tapes to effectively provide moisture-resistant mechanical and electrical protection to wires and cables.
Features
- Vinyl plastic tape wire harnesses are UL 510 and CSA approved.
- They meet ROHS-3 compliance standards.
- The tapes’ elasticity ability enables them to hold the wires tightly, leaving no room for slipping.
- They are compatible with a variety of dielectric cable insulations
- It’s applicable for both outdoor and indoor uses
- The vinyl plastic tapes are resistant to UV light, physical abuse, and chemical attacks.
- It can’t slip, flag, crack, or split if exposed to different environmental conditions.
- Efficient for electrical insulations for cables or wires carrying electric current up to 600V.
- It can work best in temperatures up to 800C
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Wire Harness
Thermoplastic Polyurethane serves as a material for wire harnesses and is ROHS compliant because it meets the standards set by ROHS by being free of any banned substances outlined in the directive. This type of wire harness effectively bundles cables and wires due to its elastic properties and resistance to abrasion, oil, and grease.
Features
- Thermoplastic Polyurethane has robust wear and tear resistance
- It’s highly elastic, enabling it to bind cables tightly.
- This wire harness has high tensile strength.
- The Thermoplastic polyurethane wire harness can work best within temperatures between -400C and 1050
- The wire harness is oil, grease, chemicals, and moisture resistant
- Applicable in providing insulations and sheath to wiring systems requiring significant weather resistance to guarantee sufficient electrical performance.
- Used to provide wire harnesses and insulation to photovoltaic cables
PVC Tapes Wire Harness
PVC wire harness tapes are prevalent in the automotive industry. They effectively bind wires and cables, offering adequate protection and additional insulation. These tapes are ROHS-certified and also hold UL certification, making them suitable for use in wire harnesses.
Features
- PVC wire harness comprises electric insulation- These wire harnesses are designed to be pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes.
- The PVC wire harnesses are made of soft PVC films. Sometimes, it can be developed from viscose adhesive layers of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and acrylic adhesive.
- They have a remarkable ability to work under temperatures of -400c and 1050
- A PVC wire harness is corrosion-resistant, especially when in contact with oil, grease, acid, and other chemicals.
- Its flame-retardant material is thus suitable under harsh conditions.
Conclusion
For any wire harness, it is a prerequisite that only ROHS-certified materials are utilized. Manufacturers of wire harnesses must adhere to the established standards and refrain from using any prohibited elements. This is crucial as it contributes to the well-being of the end-user. For further information regarding ROHS compliance, please reach out to us.
