Tech21 · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cables
Tech21 20W Wall Charger
Lower PFAS concern; standard electronics component without known risk factors.
Wall chargers are not high-risk PFAS products. Tech21 makes no PFAS claims, but no waterproof or special coatings typical of PFAS use are documented for this model.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Plastic and metal (USB-C charger)
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
The Tech21 20W Wall Charger uses a plastic housing (likely polycarbonate or ABS) with internal metal contacts and circuitry typical of modern power adapters. The plastic exterior is not food-contact and undergoes minimal temperature cycling during normal use, reducing leaching risks from additives. Metal components (copper, steel, nickel plating) are standard in electronics and pose no unusual exposure pathway in this application.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tech21 is a consumer electronics accessories brand owned by Jtec Holdings, with a focus on protective cases and charging products. The company does not publicly disclose detailed material safety data sheets or third-party certifications (RoHS, REACH) for its chargers on retail channels. No significant recalls or safety controversies related to this charger model appear in public records.
How it compares in its category
Wall chargers at this power level (20W USB-C) are commoditized and largely similar across brands in material composition and safety profile. Tech21's offering is typical for mainstream consumer electronics: plastic housing, standard copper internals, and no specialized coatings or flame retardant additives that would elevate hazard concern. More premium brands sometimes provide RoHS/CE documentation; Tech21 does not emphasize this marketing advantage.
If you buy it
Use the charger in well-ventilated spaces and avoid covering vents during operation; slight warmth during charging is normal, but sustained heat may indicate a fault. Do not expose to water or excessive humidity, which can corrode contacts. Replace if the cable shows fraying, the plug feels loose, or the unit becomes abnormally hot; a typical wall charger lifespan is 3-5 years with daily use. Store away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent plastic embrittlement.
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 housing degradation and additive leaching
No documented cases of Tech21 chargers leaching plastic additives into food or water. The housing is not exposed to high heat or moisture in normal use, and no food contact occurs.
Electrical safety and shock risk
All mains-powered chargers carry inherent electrical hazard if damaged (frayed cable, water exposure, internal failure). Tech21 does not disclose whether this model carries UL, ETL, or equivalent third-party electrical certification, which would reduce this risk.
Flame retardant off-gassing or toxic additives in plastic
Wall chargers typically use non-halogenated plastics without added brominated or chlorinated flame retardants. No public reports of volatile organic compounds or formaldehyde emissions from Tech21 chargers.
Heavy metals in solder or nickel plating
Lead-free solder and RoHS-compliant manufacturing are industry standard for chargers sold in EU and North America; Tech21 does not disclose compliance, but no reports of lead or cadmium contamination exist for this product line.
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.
More waterproof phone chargers & cables 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.