JBL · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Jbl Flip 3 Splashproof Portable Speaker Replacement Usb Charging Cable Lead
Low risk. Standard USB cable with no known PFAS triggers.
Basic USB charging cable for a JBL speaker using rubber, copper, and plastic with no identified PFAS risk factors.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
USB cable, likely rubber and copper
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Insulation degradation and electrical hazard
PVC or TPE sheathing can crack or become brittle over 2-5 years of use, depending on storage conditions and mechanical stress. Degraded insulation raises risk of short circuits, sparks, or contact with live conductors during charging.
Metal connector corrosion and poor contact
Nickel-plated connectors can oxidize or corrode if exposed to moisture or salt spray, causing high-resistance connections that generate heat during charging. Corroded contacts increase risk of slow charging, device damage, or localized overheating.
Phthalates
If the cable uses traditional PVC (polyvinyl chloride) with plasticizers, phthalates may be present, though direct exposure is minimal during normal handling. Phthalates are not a concern for intermittent contact but can leach if cable is stored in heat or direct sunlight for extended periods.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Flame retardants
USB cables typically do not contain antimicrobial agents, brominated flame retardants, or other restricted additives. Standard cable materials meet UL safety standards without relying on hazardous chemical additives.
Source, EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This is a standard USB charging cable, typically composed of copper wire conductors, PVC or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) outer sheathing, and metal connectors (usually nickel-plated brass). USB cables are passive data and power conduits with minimal chemical exposure risk during normal use. The sheathing material's primary function is electrical insulation and mechanical protection, not food or skin contact, which significantly reduces hazard pathways compared to food-contact plastics.
The brand's record and disclosure
JBL (Harman subsidiary, owned by Samsung) does not publish detailed chemical transparency reports for accessory cables. The brand has no known public controversies or recalls specific to USB cable safety. JBL maintains general consumer safety certifications (FCC, CE) for its electronics but does not typically disclose material sourcing or restricted substance testing for simple cable replacements.
How it compares in its category
Replacement USB cables are commodity items with minimal variation in hazard profile across brands. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cables like this JBL variant carry the advantage of design-matched connectors and documented compatibility, reducing risk of poor contact and overheating compared to off-brand alternatives. Third-party cables occasionally show quality-control issues with insulation thickness or connector durability, but chemical hazards are broadly equivalent.
If you buy it
Keep the cable away from sharp edges and excessive bending stress; repeatedly crimped cables can degrade insulation and create shock or fire risk. Do not leave connected to power in high-temperature environments (above 80C ambient). Replace immediately if outer sheathing cracks, shows bare copper, or connector becomes loose or hot during charging. Store in a cool, dry location; UV exposure and moisture can accelerate rubber/PVC degradation over years.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- JBL has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.