Tech21 · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cable Cases
Tech21 Ak-b8173011 6 Ft Usb C To Usb A
Lower concern, standard USB cable with no PFAS indicators.
Standard USB-C to USB-A cable using conventional plastics and metals. No water resistance, coatings, or treatments that typically contain PFAS.
Shop Tech21 on Amazon →Material
PVC, polyester, copper, tin-plated 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 cable uses a PVC outer jacket (common in consumer electronics), polyester inner layers for insulation, and copper conductors with tin-plated connectors. PVC itself is stable when not heated and does not off-gas significantly at room temperature or during typical USB power delivery (which generates minimal heat). Tin plating on connectors is a standard, low-toxicity alternative to lead-based solders and prevents corrosion without introducing hazardous elements.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tech21 is a mobile accessories brand owned by Otter Products, primarily known for protective cases. The company does not publish detailed material safety disclosures or third-party certifications (RoHS, REACH) on this product's landing pages. No recalls, chemical contamination reports, or safety controversies are on record for Tech21 cables. The brand's silence on material sourcing is typical for lower-cost USB accessories but limits independent verification.
How it compares in its category
USB-C to USB-A cables are commoditized; this one uses materials and construction standard across the market. PVC-jacketed cables are the industry norm for this price point, though some premium competitors use TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) jackets, which off-gas less but cost more. Tin-plated connectors meet USB specifications and are equivalent to most competitors. Length (6 ft) is standard and does not introduce additional material or hazard concerns.
If you buy it
Store the cable at room temperature and avoid prolonged coiling under tension, which can crack the PVC jacket and expose conductors. Do not expose to direct heat, sunlight, or solvents, as PVC can degrade and leach plasticizers under stress (though this is unlikely in normal desktop use). Replace the cable immediately if the jacket tears, connectors corrode, or charging becomes intermittent. USB cables typically last 2-3 years with normal use; this product offers no longevity advantage, so treat as consumable.
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 plasticizer leaching
PVC jackets contain plasticizers (typically phthalates or non-phthalate alternatives) to maintain flexibility. At room temperature and without contact with food or skin, leaching is negligible. No documented cases of harm from USB cable PVC jackets.
Connector corrosion and oxidation
Tin plating can oxidize over years in humid environments, potentially degrading electrical contact. This is a reliability issue rather than a safety toxicity issue, but corroded connectors can cause sparking during insertion if severely degraded.
Conductor exposure from jacket damage
If the PVC jacket is torn or cut, bare copper conductors and internal insulation become exposed. This creates electrical shock and short-circuit risk if the cable contacts conductive surfaces or moisture.
Thermal stress from high-power devices
This cable is rated for standard USB-C power delivery but may experience localized heating if used with high-wattage chargers (>100W). PVC has a softening point around 80-90°C; normal charging (5-65W) poses no thermal risk.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.