Tech21 · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Ripcord USB to 12V DC Power Cable for Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Multi-effects
Low risk. 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 present.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
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
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.
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.
Phthalates
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.
Source, ATSDR ↗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’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Lead
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.
Source, ATSDR ↗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.
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.
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
- Tech21 has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof personal electronics 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.