Lead Free
The WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directives passed by the European commission on January 27, 2003 are designed to reduce the environmental impacts of both the production and disposal processes of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) sold in European Union countries. Applicable products are to comply with the WEEE directive by August of 2005, and with the RoHS directive by July of 2006.
The WEEE sets out a list of ten product categories covered by the directive:
Large household appliances Small household appliances IT and Telecom Consumer equipment Lighting equipment Electrical and electronic tools Toys, leisure, and sporting equipment Medical equipment Monitoring and control instruments Automatic dispensers
Also known as the “Lead Free” directive, RoHS is designed to limit the use hazardous materials in EEE. These materials include not only lead, but also mercury, cadmium, chromium, and brominated flame-retardants PBB’s and PBDE’s.
Although only a small share of WAGO products are installed in equipment falling into these categories, WAGO has made the determination to convert our product range to be in compliance. The use of banned substances in WAGO products mainly pertains to the tin-lead coating present on conductive copper pieces found in terminal blocks. The alternative product has a pure tin surface, which is an equal alternative to a tin-lead combination. The existing product specifications will remain unchanged and the conversion will not impact any current processes. Pure tin is fully reverse compatible with tin-lead soldering processes.
WAGO products that were originally designed to comply with RoHS, or that have since been converted are packaged in boxes marked with a lead-free designation. An example of this marking can be found here. Please contact WAGO for information on any specific models.
