July 2017 – RoHS Compliance

Published on: 06/07/2017

GD Rectifiers provides an insight into RoHS compliance

RoHS is a popular term used throughout the power electronics industry, in regards to components and equipment used in a wide range of applications. Some people are often unsure of the ramifications RoHS has on their line of work, so our 4 step guide should be helpful for those working in the power supply industry worldwide.

What is RoHS Compliance?

RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. It is a legalisation originally developed in the EU which restricts the use of hazardous materials commonly found in electrical components and electronic goods. Introduced in July 2006, all applicable products that are manufactured in, sold to or distributed in the EU must follow RoHS compliance. A lot of products are sold or distributed to the EU or any other country recognising RoHS, so it is extremely important to stay up to date on the RoHS regulations.

RoHS Categories

There are ten RoHS categories in total, these include:

Category 1 – Large household appliances: refrigerators, washers, stoves, air conditioner

Category 2 -Small household appliances: vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, coffee makers, irons

Category 3 – Computing and communications equipment: computers, printers, copiers, phones

Category 4 -Consumer electronics: TVs, DVD players, stereos, video cameras

Category 5 – Lighting: lamps, lighting fixtures, light bulbs

Category 6 – Power tools: drills, saws, nail guns, sprayers, lathes, trimmers, blowers

Category 7 – Toys and sports equipment: videogames, electric trains, treadmills

Category 10 – Automatic dispensers: vending machines, ATM machines

Hazardous Materials listed in RoHS Compliance?

1)    Lead (Pb): < 1000ppm

2)    Mercury (Hg): < 100ppm

3)    Cadmium (Cd): < 100ppm

4)    Hexavalent Chromium: (Cr VI) < 1000ppm

5)    Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB): < 1000ppm

6)    Polybrominated Diphenyl Esthers (PBDE): < 1000ppm

7)    Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): <1000ppm

8)    Benzy butyl phthalate (BBP): < 1000ppm

9)    Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): < 1000ppm

10) Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP): < 1000ppm

RoHS Compliance in Power Electronics

With the extensive list of household appliances and electronics that the RoHS compliance covers, means that most power supply components could end up in the EU or another RoHS compliant nation meaning that these standards need to be adhered to worldwide.

GD Rectifiers is a global manufacturer and distributor of products, services and solutions to commercial and industrial users of power electronic components. They manufacture a wide range of power assemblies, heatsinks, high voltage rectifiers, high voltage diodes and selenium rectifiers and suppressors for some of the world’s leading engineering and technology companies. GD Rectifiers play a major role in the launch of new technologies, machines and transport strategies by supplying a wide range of standard semiconductor components and custom designed power assemblies, heatsinks, high voltage diodes and selenium rectifiers and suppressors.

All catalogue products distributed by GD Rectifiers are RoHS complaint.

For further information on GD Rectifiers products and services please click here or call: 01444 243 452 / enquiries@gdrectifiers.co.uk