Tech21 · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Tech21 Ak-b8173011 6 Ft Usb C To Usb A
Low risk. Standard USB cable with no PFAS indicators.
Standard USB-C to USB-A cable using conventional plastics and metals. No water resistance or PFAS-containing treatments present.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
PVC, polyester, copper, tin-plated connectors
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Tech21 Ak-b8173011 6 Ft Usb C To Usb A is made of, ingredients and materials
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.
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.
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.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
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.
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.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
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.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% 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.