Tech21 · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Tech21 2.1A USB Charge Cord Car And Wall Charger Set. Cord 6.5 Ft Long
Low risk. Standard USB charger with no known PFAS risk factors.
USB chargers use basic plastics and copper with minimal processing. No waterproofing or stain resistance expected.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Plastic (USB connector and housing), copper wire (internal conductors)
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.
Plastic insulation degradation under heat
Prolonged exposure to high ambient temperatures or charging heat can embrittle the PVC or polyethylene insulation, increasing risk of exposed wiring and short circuits. This is a mechanical failure mode rather than a chemical leaching concern, but more likely with cheaper chargers.
Connector corrosion and oxidation
Copper connectors inside plastic housings can oxidize over time if moisture ingress occurs, reducing conductivity and increasing heat at contact points. This is primarily a durability issue but can eventually lead to overheating.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No recalls or test data on record for Tech21 chargers containing lead-based solder or cadmium plating on internal connectors. This remains a theoretical concern in low-cost electronics but is not an established issue for this brand or product line.
Source, FDA ↗Flame retardants
Plastic charger housings do not typically require flame retardant additives under U.S. electrical safety standards (UL), and none is documented in Tech21 charger materials. No known source of halogenated or brominated flame retardants in this product.
Source, EPA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This charger uses plastic (likely PVC or polyethylene) for the USB connector housing and outer casing, with copper wire conductors inside. Plastic housings in consumer electronics are not regulated for heavy metals or plasticizers the way food-contact items are, but degradation under heat or UV can accelerate leaching. The 6.5-foot cord length increases surface area and heat dissipation capacity, which generally reduces thermal stress on the insulation.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tech21 is a mobile accessories brand owned by Otter Products, known primarily for protective cases. The brand maintains no public PFAS disclosure or sustainability reporting specific to charging hardware. No recalls or safety controversies are on record for Tech21 chargers. Standard consumer electronics suppliers in this price tier typically do not publish material composition beyond product specs.
How it compares in its category
USB charger sets at this specification level are commodity products with minimal differentiation in safety profiles. A 2.1A output with a 6.5-foot cord is standard for car and wall dual-mode chargers. Brand-name options like this carry no measurable safety advantage over unbranded equivalents, but may have slightly better QA on connector durability. Most failures in this category are mechanical (connector wear) rather than chemical hazard.
If you buy it
Keep the charger away from prolonged direct sunlight or extreme heat (above 60C / 140F sustained) to slow plastic degradation and insulation brittleness. Inspect the cord and connectors every 6-12 months for visible cracks, discoloration, or exposed wire; replace immediately if found. Avoid coiling the cord tightly while warm, as this can create stress points. Do not use if the housing cracks or shows signs of melting, as internal wire insulation may be compromised.
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.