The standard addresses material and finish specifications that are affected by eco-environmental legislation, specifically the European Union RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC). The RoHS directive restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The RoHS requirement to eliminate hexavalent chromium (CrVI) in telecommunications hardware has a particular impact on the U.S. telecommunications industry. CrVI has 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. These are believed to be the only finishes that will meet the performance criteria on ferrous materials.

“The development of this RoHS standard clearly indicates that manufacturers, suppliers, test labs, and service providers recognize the need to address hazardous substances,” said Chris Coyle, Chair of the ATIS NIPP Network Physical Protection Subcommittee and Senior Project Engineer at Intertek. “They are willing to investigate, and take appropriate and necessary steps to ensure that network components are free of potential hazards to the environment while retaining the reliability the public has become accustomed to over the years.”

The RoHS Directive primarily affects the manufacturers of electrical equipment. It also has an impact upon those that import these goods into the European Union or that re-brand other manufacturers’ equipment. Through standards such as ATIS-PP-0600009.2007 and others, the industry is better positioned to address product changes and to satisfy European legislative requirements while supporting quality and reliability of network infrastructure equipment.

Over 30 industry-leading companies involved in the ATIS NIPP Committee were responsible for the publication of the ATIS RoHS standard. A complete list of NIPP member companies can be found at www.atis.org/0050/member.asp.

Copies of ATIS-PP-0600009.2007 are available at the ATIS Document Store at https://www.atis.org/docstore/default.aspx

About the ATIS NIPP Committee

The activities of the ATIS Network Interface, Power, and Protection Committee (NIPP) include, but are not limited to, developing standards and technical reports covering the following areas: network interfaces, power, electrical protection, and physical protection. The NIPP Network Physical Protection Subcommittee (NPP) proposes, develops and recommends standards and technical reports relating to the physical protection and physical design of telecommunications network equipment and the facilities in which they are housed. In addition, the group recommends positions on matters, within its scope of expertise, under consideration by other national, regional and international standards development organizations. For more information about the ATIS NIPP-NPP, visit http://www.atis.org/0050/npp.asp. 

About ATIS

ATIS is a leading standards development and technical planning organization committed to rapidly developing and promoting technical and operations standards for the communications and related information technologies industry worldwide using a pragmatic, flexible and open approach. Participants from more than 300 communications companies are active in ATIS’ 22 industry committees, Incubator Solutions Program, and other activities. www.atis.org

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