Tech21 · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cable Cases
Ripcord USB to 12V DC Power Cable for Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Multi-effects
Lower PFAS concern; standard audio cable with no known Teflon-family coating coatings.
USB power cables typically use PVC or polyethylene insulation without intentional PFAS. No waterproofing or special coatings typical for this product category suggest lower risk.
Shop Tech21 on Amazon →Material
USB cable with standard copper conductors, PVC or polyethylene insulation, metal connectors
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 straightforward USB-to-12V DC power cable with copper conductors and standard PVC or polyethylene insulation, commonly used for powering multi-effects units. The metal connectors are typically nickel-plated brass or similar. No special coatings, flame retardants, or Teflon-family coating are involved in standard audio power cables of this type, making chemical leaching or off-gassing risks minimal.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tech21 is a well-established pro-audio equipment manufacturer with no known major safety recalls on accessory cables or documented disclosure problems. The brand does not publicly advertise materials transparency for cables, which is typical for this product segment. No independent testing controversies or regulatory actions are on record for Tech21 audio accessories.
How it compares in its category
USB-to-12V power cables are commodity items with uniform construction across manufacturers. This product is functionally equivalent to standard cables from Sweetwater, B&H, or generic suppliers. The main differentiation is the Fly Rig 5 connector compatibility, not material safety; no cable in this category poses elevated chemical risk compared to peers.
If you buy it
Store the cable away from heat sources and sharp creases to prevent insulation cracking; avoid kinking near connectors where stress concentrates. Replace if insulation shows cracks, discoloration, or conductors are exposed, as this creates shock risk rather than chemical exposure. Annual visual inspection is sufficient for typical home or studio use. Do not expose to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as PVC degrades over time.
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.”
PVC insulation degradation over time
PVC-insulated cables can become brittle or crack after years of use, particularly if stored near heat or in direct sunlight. This creates electrical safety risk (shock) rather than chemical leaching, but is a normal wear item. No evidence of accelerated degradation specific to Tech21 cables.
Metal connector corrosion or lead content in solder
Modern audio cables use lead-free solder per RoHS compliance. No public reports of corroded Tech21 Fly Rig connectors or solder failures. Standard nickel-plated brass is robust in typical indoor use.
Phthalates in PVC insulation
Standard PVC may contain phthalate plasticizers depending on manufacturer formulation; Tech21 does not disclose insulation composition. Exposure risk is negligible for a cable handled briefly during setup, not ingested or worn. No direct skin contact for extended periods.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding adequacy
This is a functional concern rather than a chemical hazard; poor shielding affects signal quality, not safety. No reports of defective shielding in the Ripcord line. Performance is standard for a budget-tier USB power cable.
Contact dermatitis from nickel in connectors
Individuals with severe nickel allergy may experience mild irritation from prolonged contact with brass connectors. This is rare and incidental to the cable's primary function. Standard practice for anyone with known nickel sensitivity is to handle with gloves or minimize skin contact.
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.