JBL · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cable Cases
Replacement Micro USB Charger Cord for JBL Clip 3, 2, JBL Flip 4, 3, 2, JBL Charge 3, 2, 2 Plus Waterproof Portable Blue
Generic USB cable. No PFAS risk flags identified from available info.
Standard micro-USB charging cable with no water-repellent or nonstick coatings noted. No brand PFAS disclosure; inherent material composition poses lower concern.
Shop JBL on Amazon →Material
Plastic-jacketed copper wire, standard micro-USB
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This is a plastic-jacketed copper wire micro-USB connector, the most common charging standard for portable electronics. The jacket is typically PVC or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), which provides flexibility and insulation; the interior copper carries current safely at the low voltages (5V) used by portable speakers. No exotic coatings, glazes, or adhesives are typical in this commodity product category, so hazard surface area is minimal.
The brand's record and disclosure
JBL (Harman subsidiary, owned by Samsung) does not publicly disclose material composition details for replacement cables on consumer product pages, which is standard industry practice for accessory items. No recalls or safety warnings specific to JBL Micro-USB cables have been documented in public safety databases. The company holds no known certifications for cables beyond standard USB compliance (USB IF logo).
How it compares in its category
Replacement micro-USB cables are functionally interchangeable commodities; this JBL-branded version is likely identical to generic third-party options in material composition. Price typically runs 2-4x higher than unbranded equivalents, paying for brand labeling rather than material safety differences. All reputable manufacturers source from similar suppliers, so material quality variance is negligible across brands at this price point.
If you buy it
Keep the cable away from extreme heat (avoid leaving in direct sun or near heating vents) to prevent plastic jacket degradation, which can expose copper and create shock risk. Inspect the connector and jacket annually for cracks, fraying, or discoloration; replace if damage appears. Store coiled loosely (avoid tight kinks that stress internal wires) and do not forcefully bend near the connector plug. This is a consumable item with typical lifespan of 2-4 years depending on flex frequency.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Plastic jacket degradation and electrical exposure
PVC or TPE jackets can crack or fray with age, heat, or repeated flexing, potentially exposing copper conductors. At micro-USB voltages (5V) this poses low shock risk but is still a failure indicator warranting replacement.
Connector corrosion or internal short
Repeated insertion/removal or exposure to moisture can corrode the metal pins inside the micro-USB connector, causing intermittent charging or internal shorts. This is a wear mechanism, not a manufacturing defect, and is resolved by replacement.
Counterfeit product risk (third-party sellers)
Micro-USB cables sold through unverified resellers often contain substandard copper gauge or inferior jacketing materials that fail rapidly or may overheat. Purchase directly from JBL or established retailers to mitigate this category-wide issue.
Heavy metals in solder or connectors
Modern micro-USB connectors are typically lead-free per RoHS directives in most markets. No specific analysis of this JBL cable for legacy lead solder has been published, but this is an obsolete risk for products manufactured after 2010.
Phthalates in PVC jacket (if PVC material)
If the cable jacket is PVC rather than TPE, plasticizers including phthalates may be present, though direct skin contact during normal use is minimal and health risk is negligible. Incineration of the cable at end-of-life is the primary disposal hazard.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cable Cases
Nomad
Universal Cable
Braided nylon and metal connectors
Lower concern. Nylon cable has minimal PFAS risk.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
More waterproof phone chargers & cable cases grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.