scope:

This standard is part of a suite of standards and provides the physical technical requirements for telecommunications equipment systems and assemblies intended for installation in network equipment buildings, equipment areas within buildings, electronic equipment enclosures such as controlled environmental vaults, outside electronic equipment cabinets, and customer locations. More specifically, this standard addresses material and finish specification that are affected by eco-environmental legislation, specifically the European Union RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC). [1]

End-point specifications for inorganic coatings are provided for steel and aluminum used for mechanical purposes. Electronic components are outside the scope, although acceptable finish substitutes for lead solder when used as a corrosion protection is addressed. The scope does not include organic coatings such as paints or oils.

This standard also provides wording to supplement drawings with workmanship requirements. The classifications provided may be used to specify cosmetic quality requirements on most finished surfaces.

Purpose and Application:

Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI) has been the standard for plating of aluminum and steel sheet metal, fastening hardware and board-level mechanical components since cadmium and gold platings were phased out in the 1970s and 80s. "Yellow chromate" has been the mark of a high quality plating in the telecommunications industry for 20 years. It has been used for unpainted materials and as paint base for liquid or powder coatings. The use of CrVI is being limited by Restriction of Hazardous Substance legislation (aka RoHS directives.) [1,2]

Not all substitute platings available in the market will have a comparable performance necessary for finishes on telecom equipment. Given this, it is important for the US telecommunications industry to agree to the product changes required to satisfy legislative requirements while assuring the quality and reliability required for network infrastructure equipment. Purpose is to provide technical guidance for the specification, design and construction of mechanical hardware, cable assemblies and printed wiring boards. Finish choices and specification language are provided.