Fireguard plenum-cable compounds, proprietary vinyl-based products that meet the most stringent low flame and smoke requirements for data and communications applications, are now available in lead-free versions that provide all of the cost-performance advantages of their standard counterparts, Teknor Apex announced at Wire Expo 2002.
Eight grades of the new lead-free series of Fireguard 910 compounds are available for insulation and jacketing of copper and fibre optic cable along with all of the standard lead-stabilised Fireguard formulations. The non-lead formulations range in Shore C hardness (ten-second reading) from 80 to 85, in elongation from 167 to 235per cent, and in tensile strength from 2306 to 2879 psi.
In addition, Teknor Apex supplies a lead-free grade that is also bromine-free: Fireguard 910-LBF, introduced one year ago.
"These new compounds enable our US and international customers to supply the entire US market while complying with the strictest mandates for elimination of lead compounds," said Donald G. Ouellette, industry manager. "Most notably, lead-free Fireguard compounds make it possible for cable manufacturers to meet minimum lead-content requirements of California's Proposition 65."
Officially known as The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, Proposition 65 requires the governor of California to publish a list of chemicals "known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm."
"Lead-free Fireguard compounds sell for the same prices as standard Fireguard products and entail no compromise of physical, electrical, or flame and smoke properties," said Ouellette.
The Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex is a leading manufacturer of custom and standard compounds based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), including Apex flexible vinyl products, Flexalloy vinyl thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and Fireguard low-flame, low-smoke compounds for wire and cable.
Headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, US, the division is an international supplier to appliance, automotive, construction, medical, wire and cable, and other industrial and consumer applications.
