ATIS Releases RoHS-Compliant Standard for Structural Metals, Bus Bars, Fasteners - ATIS PP-0600009

November 9, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

The standard addresses material and finish specifications that are affected by eco-environmental legislation such as the European Union (EU) Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive (2002/95/EC).

The standard provides the physical technical requirements for telecommunications equipment systems and assemblies intended for installation in network equipment buildings and electronic equipment enclosures.

ATIS PP-0600009.2007 also addresses the design and construction of mechanical hardware, cable assemblies and printed wiring boards.

The RoHS requirement to eliminate hexavalent chromium (CrVI) in telecommunications hardware has affected the U.S. telecommunications industry, according to ATIS.

CrVI served as a robust materials finish for various metals, particularly aluminum and steel, because it simultaneously meets required criteria for both corrosion protection and electrical conductivity.

To successfully replace CrVI, performance requirements for finishes on ferrous materials are written around the performance of trivalent chromium (CrIII) finishes, said ATIS. These are believed to be the only finishes that will meet the performance criteria on ferrous materials.

The standard was developed by the ATIS Network Interface, Power and Protection Committee (NIPP).

The RoHS directive affects the manufacturers of electrical equipment. It also has an impact upon those that import these goods into the EU or that rebrand other manufacturers' equipment, said ATIS.

Source: Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS).