The Environmentally-friendly hook-up wire
02 February 2010
RS Components has introduced the Alpha Wire environmentally-friendly hook-up wire, EcoWire(tm). EcoWire achieves expanded functionality over standard PVC-based hook-up wire with insulation that is fully recyclable.
The Environmentally-friendly hook-up wire
Using a modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) thermoplastic that is inherently lighter, tougher and more durable than PVC, EcoWire is non-halogenic and contains no heavy metal pigments. The result is UL-approved AWM wire that helps manufacturers meet Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) requirements.
While PVC insulation is currently a mainstay of the wire and cable industry because of its mechanical and electrical properties and low cost, it presents environmental concerns. PVC is a halogen-containing material that emits toxic gases, toxic smoke, and toxic acids when burned that are hazardous to health and equipment. Newer materials, principally low-smoke, zero-halogen (LSZH) plastics emit no dangerous gases or smokes when burned. The drawback to LSZH is that it cannot be conveniently recycled and reused. Like PVC, it will sit in a landfill for centuries.
Alpha Wire's new EcoWire hook-up wires use flexible Noryl insulation to provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to PVC. Noryl is a modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) thermoplastic that is inherently lighter, tougher and more flame resistant than PVC.
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