Tech21 · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cables
TECH21 wall charger with USB-A to MICRO-USB CABLE 15 watt
Lower PFAS concern. Standard power adapter materials unlikely to contain PFAS.
Tech21 wall charger uses typical plastic and rubber components with no known PFAS triggers. Brand discloses nothing about PFAS, but standard electronics materials pose minimal risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
plastic housing, rubber cable insulation, copper conductors
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 charger consists of a plastic housing (likely polycarbonate or ABS), rubber cable insulation, and internal copper conductors with solder joints. The plastic exterior and rubber jacket are not designed to contact food, skin prolonged, or water in normal use, limiting leaching pathways. Internal components are typical for low-wattage adapters and operate at modest temperatures (under 50°C in normal conditions), reducing off-gassing risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tech21 is a consumer electronics accessories brand owned by Gear4 (now part of Zagg). The company does not publicly disclose material sourcing, chemical testing, or third-party certifications for this charger line. No major recalls or safety complaints specific to Tech21 chargers have been documented in public records. The brand's silence on supply-chain transparency is typical for mid-tier accessory makers but leaves chemical composition unverified.
How it compares in its category
Wall chargers in this wattage range (10-20W) are commodity items with minimal hazard variation. Tech21's product is unremarkable in material choice and safety profile compared to Anker, Belkin, or Apple equivalents. Certification (FCC, UL) status is not explicitly stated in available product information, which is a minor gap but not unusual for third-party chargers. The 15W output and 15-year brand presence suggest stable design without major engineering flaws.
If you buy it
Inspect the cable before first use for cuts or discoloration; discard if found. Keep the charger away from water and extreme heat (not in direct sunlight on dashboards). Do not wrap the cable tightly when powered; allow air circulation. Replace if the plug feels warm to the touch after 30 seconds of connection, or if the cable develops cracks, as these signal potential internal wear. Standard lifespan is 2-4 years for daily use.
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 leaching (BPA, phthalates)
Polycarbonate or ABS housings in chargers do not contact food or prolonged skin contact, and no leaching is expected under normal operating temperatures. No recalls or test data indicate contamination risk for this product line.
Rubber cable insulation degradation and conductor exposure
Cheap rubber insulation can crack or peel over 1-2 years with heavy use, flexing, or heat exposure. If exposed copper is touched during charging, electrical shock is a risk, though low-voltage USB circuits (5V) present minimal electrocution hazard compared to wall power.
Solder joint contamination (lead in electronics)
Lead solder in power adapters was phased out by most manufacturers after 2006 RoHS directives took effect in the EU. Tech21 chargers likely use lead-free solder, but this is not explicitly confirmed in product data; internal components are not user-accessible, limiting exposure.
Electrical safety and short-circuit risk
Chargers without explicit UL, CE, or FCC certification badges carry higher short-circuit or thermal runaway risk if internal protection circuits fail. Tech21's certification status is not publicly stated, leaving this gap unresolved.
VOC off-gassing from plastic housing
Wall chargers operate at modest internal temperatures and are used in well-ventilated spaces. Off-gassing is negligible compared to enclosed furniture or automotive applications; no complaints or testing suggest volatilization hazards for this product.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 75% 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.