Introduction
When buying or manufacturing electrical wires and cables, you may come across terms such as RoHS cable, RoHS compliant wire, or RoHS compliant cable.
But what does RoHS actually mean?
RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. It is a regulatory requirement that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products and their components.
For cable manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers, understanding RoHS compliance is important because cables can contain several different materials, including conductor metals, insulation, PVC or other polymers, connectors, terminals, pigments, coatings and other components.
In this guide, we will explain:
- What RoHS means
- What a RoHS compliant cable is
- Why RoHS compliance is important
- Restricted substances under RoHS
- RoHS requirements for wires and cables
- RoHS cable testing
- RoHS compliance documents
- How to identify a RoHS compliant cable
- RoHS vs non-RoHS cables
- Common questions about RoHS cables
What Is RoHS?
RoHS means Restriction of Hazardous Substances.
RoHS is designed to restrict certain hazardous substances used in electrical and electronic equipment.
The purpose is to reduce the use of certain hazardous materials and help minimize their impact on people and the environment during the manufacturing, use and disposal of electrical and electronic products.
Because wires and cables can be components of electrical and electronic equipment, RoHS compliance can be an important requirement for cable manufacturers and suppliers depending on the intended application and market.
Understanding the power cord manufacturing process is also important when evaluating cable materials and production controls.
What Is a RoHS Compliant Cable?
A RoHS compliant cable is a cable manufactured using materials and components that meet the applicable RoHS substance restrictions.
A cable can contain multiple materials, such as:
- Copper or aluminium conductor
- PVC or other insulation material
- Outer sheath
- Plastic components
- Connectors
- Terminals
- Colouring or pigments
- Coatings
- Other cable accessories
For a cable to be considered RoHS compliant for a particular application, the relevant materials and components need to meet the applicable requirements.
In simple words:
A RoHS compliant cable is a cable made using materials that comply with the applicable restrictions on certain hazardous substances.
Why Is RoHS Compliance Important for Cables?
RoHS compliance is important for several reasons.
1. Environmental considerations
Restricting certain hazardous substances helps reduce their use in electrical and electronic products and supports better environmental practices.
2. Customer requirements
Many customers specify RoHS compliance as part of their purchasing or product requirements.
Cable manufacturers may therefore need to provide suitable compliance information or documentation.
3. International supply
Products supplied to certain markets may need to meet applicable regulatory requirements.
For manufacturers exporting cables or supplying them to equipment manufacturers, understanding RoHS requirements is therefore important.
4. Material control
RoHS requirements encourage manufacturers and suppliers to maintain better control over the materials used in their products.
5. Product documentation
Customers may request supporting documents such as declarations, material information or test reports to demonstrate compliance.
What Substances Are Restricted Under RoHS?
RoHS restricts certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
The commonly referenced RoHS restricted substances include:
| Substance | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Lead | Pb |
| Mercury | Hg |
| Cadmium | Cd |
| Hexavalent Chromium | Cr(VI) |
| Polybrominated Biphenyls | PBB |
| Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers | PBDE |
| Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate | DEHP |
| Benzyl butyl phthalate | BBP |
| Dibutyl phthalate | DBP |
| Diisobutyl phthalate | DIBP |
The applicable maximum concentration values and regulatory requirements should always be checked against the relevant current RoHS legislation and the specific product/application.
RoHS compliant cable
RoHS Cable Requirements
RoHS compliance for a cable is not simply about the copper conductor.
A complete cable can contain several different materials.
Therefore, material control should consider relevant parts of the cable, such as:
Conductor
The conductor may be copper, aluminium or another suitable conductive material depending on the cable design.
Insulation
The insulation material must meet the applicable material requirements.
Common insulation materials can include PVC, PE, XLPE and other polymers depending on the cable construction.
Outer Sheath
The cable sheath is another important material that may need to be evaluated for applicable substance restrictions.
Connectors and Terminals
If the cable assembly contains connectors, terminals or other components, those components may also need to be considered for compliance.
Other Components
Other materials such as coatings, plastic parts, pigments and related components may also need to be controlled depending on the product.
How Is a RoHS Cable Tested?
One of the important questions customers ask is:
How is a RoHS compliant cable tested?
RoHS compliance can involve material evaluation and testing.
A typical compliance process may include:
Step 1: Identify the materials
First, the manufacturer identifies the materials and components used in the cable.
Step 2: Review supplier information
Material declarations, supplier declarations and other relevant documentation can be reviewed.
Step 3: Identify critical materials
Materials that may contain restricted substances are identified for further evaluation.
Step 4: Laboratory testing
Where required, samples can be tested using appropriate analytical methods and equipment.
Common analytical techniques used for screening/evaluation can include XRF (X-ray fluorescence), while certain substances may require additional laboratory analytical methods.
Step 5: Review the results
The test results are compared with the applicable requirements.
Step 6: Maintain compliance records
Relevant reports, declarations and supplier documentation should be maintained as part of the compliance system.
What Is an XRF Test for RoHS?
XRF stands for X-ray fluorescence.
XRF testing is commonly used for screening materials for certain elements associated with restricted substances.
It can be useful for quickly checking materials such as:
- Plastics
- Metal components
- Cable materials
- Coatings
- Connectors
- Terminals
However, XRF does not necessarily provide the complete answer for every RoHS substance or every compliance situation.
Therefore, depending on the substance and applicable requirements, additional laboratory testing may be required.
RoHS Compliant Cable vs Non-RoHS Cable
The basic difference is whether the relevant product/materials meet the applicable RoHS restrictions.
| RoHS Compliant Cable | Non-RoHS / Unverified Cable |
|---|---|
| Materials meet applicable RoHS requirements | Compliance may not be established |
| Relevant material information can be maintained | Material information may be unavailable |
| May have supporting compliance documentation | Documentation may be missing |
| Suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance when other requirements are met | May not be suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance |
| Materials are controlled against applicable restrictions | Material composition may need further verification |
Important: A cable should not be called RoHS compliant simply because it looks similar to another compliant cable. Compliance should be supported by appropriate material information, testing and/or documentation.
How to Identify a RoHS Compliant Cable?
If you are purchasing a cable and need RoHS compliance, do not rely only on the appearance of the cable.
Check the following:
1. Cable marking
Check whether the cable has appropriate product identification and markings.
First, check the cable markings and product identification.
2. Manufacturer documentation
Ask the manufacturer or supplier for applicable RoHS compliance documentation.
3. Material declaration
For important applications, material information can help establish what materials are used.
4. Test report
Where required, ask for relevant test reports from the manufacturer or an appropriate laboratory.
5. Supplier declaration
A supplier declaration may provide supporting information regarding the materials supplied.
6. Product specification
Compare the cable specification with the customer’s technical and regulatory requirements.
Is RoHS the Same as Cable Quality?
No.
RoHS compliance and cable quality are two different things.
A cable can meet RoHS requirements, but that does not automatically mean that it meets every other technical requirement.
Cable quality can involve many parameters, such as:
- Conductor size
- Conductor material
- Electrical resistance
- Insulation performance
- Voltage rating
- Temperature rating
- Mechanical strength
- Flexibility
- Flame performance
- Dimensional requirements
- Applicable product standards
- Customer specifications
Therefore, RoHS compliance should be considered one part of the overall product compliance and quality requirements.
RoHS Cable Manufacturing Process
For manufacturers, RoHS compliance starts with material control.
A typical approach can include:
Approved Material → Supplier Verification → Incoming Inspection → Production Control → Testing/Verification → Documentation → Final Inspection
Material Selection
Select materials that meet the required specifications.
Supplier Control
Work with approved suppliers and obtain appropriate material/compliance information.
Incoming Material Inspection
Verify incoming materials according to the company’s inspection requirements.
Production Control
Ensure that approved materials are used during manufacturing and that material mix-ups are avoided.
Testing
Perform applicable tests or arrange laboratory testing where required.
Documentation
Maintain relevant declarations, test reports and material records.
Final Verification
Verify the finished product against applicable customer and product requirements before dispatch.
Why Do Customers Ask for RoHS Compliance?
Customers may request RoHS compliance because their final product may need to meet regulatory or market requirements.
For example, a cable can be used inside:
- Consumer electronics
- Home appliances
- Industrial equipment
- Electrical equipment
- Electronic products
- Power supplies
- Control equipment
- Communication equipment
- Other electrical assemblies
Therefore, the cable supplier may need to provide supporting compliance information to the customer.
RoHS Compliance Documents for Cables
Depending on the customer and application, supporting documents can include:
- RoHS Declaration of Conformity
- Material Declaration
- Supplier Declaration
- Test Report
- Laboratory Report
- Material Composition Information
- Product Specification
- Certificate or supporting compliance documentation where applicable
The exact documentation required depends on the customer’s requirements, applicable regulations and product/application.
Common Mistakes When Checking RoHS Compliance
Mistake 1: Assuming every cable is RoHS compliant
A cable should not be assumed to be compliant without suitable evidence.
Mistake 2: Checking only the copper conductor
RoHS considerations can apply to different materials and components in a product.
Mistake 3: Depending only on a marking
A marking alone should not replace proper compliance documentation and material control.
Mistake 4: Using outdated supplier information
Compliance information should be kept current and traceable.
Mistake 5: Ignoring cable accessories
Connectors, terminals and other components may also need to be considered.
RoHS Cable FAQs
What is the full form of RoHS?
RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances.
What is a RoHS compliant wire?
A RoHS compliant wire is manufactured using materials that meet the applicable RoHS substance restrictions.
What is a RoHS cable?
A RoHS cable is a cable whose relevant materials and components comply with applicable RoHS requirements.
Is RoHS only for cables?
No. RoHS requirements apply to applicable electrical and electronic equipment and relevant components, not only cables.
How do I check if a cable is RoHS compliant?
Check the manufacturer’s compliance declaration, material information and applicable test reports. For critical applications, verify the documentation against the required regulatory and customer requirements.
What is RoHS cable testing?
RoHS cable testing involves evaluating relevant cable materials for restricted substances using appropriate screening and/or laboratory analytical methods.
What is XRF testing in RoHS?
XRF, or X-ray fluorescence, is commonly used for screening certain elements in materials. Additional testing may be necessary depending on the substance and compliance requirement.
Is RoHS the same as CE?
No. RoHS and CE are different compliance concepts. A product may have multiple applicable regulatory requirements depending on the product and market.
Does RoHS mean the cable is high quality?
Not necessarily. RoHS compliance addresses restricted substances. Cable quality also depends on technical, electrical, mechanical and application-specific requirements.
Conclusion
A RoHS compliant cable is manufactured using materials and components that meet the applicable restrictions on certain hazardous substances.
For cable manufacturers and suppliers, RoHS compliance should be supported through proper material selection, supplier control, documentation, testing where required and production controls.
If you are purchasing or supplying cables for applications where RoHS compliance is required, always verify the applicable requirements and obtain appropriate supporting documentation rather than relying only on cable markings or appearance.
Kekable focuses on power cords, cables and electrical products and aims to provide practical technical information about cable manufacturing, materials, quality and compliance.
