The Lapp Group announced at National Manufacturing Week in Chicago, the company has begun to manufacture its cables with lead-free compounds.

Citing lawsuits in California against manufacturers of wire and cable products that violated the state’s Proposition 65, as well as environmental and safety issues, the Lapp Group has begun to manufacture its cable jackets and insulations without the use of lead containing compounds. The chemicals listed in this proposition includes lead and lead compounds.

The amount of lead in electrical insulation compound formulations vary by an approximate range of 2% to 6%, based on one pound of raw virgin material. The primary reason for adding lead to the formulations of PVC wire & cable insulations is that these compounds require the use of stabilizers. Without the use of stabilizers, PVC insulation would not be able to maintain its physical, thermal and electrical performance capabilities.

Issues such as cost of materials, R&D, and compliance with regulatory testing agencies, have delayed the widespread availability of lead – free compounds.

The Lapp Group has developed lead-free compounds that pass all applicable UL requirements under UL Standard 83, including the long term wet insulation resistance test, which can last up to 36 weeks. Beginning January 1, 2004, all new production of standard Lapp cables are being manufactured with lead-free compounds, and will be readily identified by the designation “pbf” on the jacket print legends.