What Are Lead-Free Oxygen Sensors and RoHS?
In this technical bulletin, we will focus on lead-free
oxygen sensors, the RoHS directives driving the global adoption of lead-free oxygen sensors, and key considerations for instrument manufacturers when selecting lead-free oxygen sensors.
Why Is Everyone Focused on Lead-Free Oxygen Sensors?
The industry has traditionally relied on lead-based sensors for oxygen monitoring in fixed and portable gas detectors. Operating on the galvanic cell principle, these sensors are widely used, low-cost, relatively short-lived, and highly reliable.
However, this application has been disrupted by the introduction of RoHS, a piece of EU legislation that will soon prohibit the use of lead in instruments sold in the EU and harmonized regions.
While RoHS may be seen as an inconvenience for the gas detection industry, it has spurred the development of modern lead-free oxygen sensors, resulting in significant improvements in instrument performance and drastically reduced maintenance requirements.
First, What Is RoHS?
RoHS is a piece of European Union legislation that will ultimately ban the use of lead-based oxygen sensors in the EU and aligned regions.
After years of industry-specific exemptions and extensions, time is running out before enforcement, and instrument manufacturers need to prepare if they wish to continue selling into affected areas.
Beyond this basic principle, RoHS is a complex topic that has also raised many questions from our customers: not only “What is RoHS?”, but also:
Is only the EU affected by RoHS?
Has the EU already banned lead in oxygen sensors?
When will the ban take effect?
If I do not sell into the EU, how does this affect me?
Where can I get further guidance on RoHS and its impact on my business?
When Does RoHS Take Effect?
There is some misinformation in the market regarding when OEMs need to comply with RoHS. The reality is that the EU has not made any final decisions while considering outstanding exemption requests. The final implementation timeline depends on the decisions made, and the short timeframes for each potential outcome are summarized below.
While this remains under consideration, we understand (at the time of writing) from industry and regulatory counterparts that, based on advisor recommendations, exemption requests are likely to be granted with an 18-month implementation period. However, this is not guaranteed, so worst-case scenarios should also be considered.
You can learn more about our sources and how we reached this conclusion through our RoHS white paper.
How Can Instrument Manufacturers Comply with RoHS?
As RoHS implementation draws closer, key considerations for OEMs currently using galvanic lead-based oxygen sensors include:
If you wish to continue selling into RoHS-restricted regions, you will need to ensure your instrument uses a viable lead-free sensor, which may require instrument redesign or updates.
Lead-based oxygen sensors sold before RoHS implementation may still be supplied as spare parts for instruments.
You will not be able to circumvent RoHS by selling instruments with sensors separately as “kits” or component sets, as some manufacturers have done in the past.
If your instrument is certified, you will likely need to complete all or part of the certification process again, regardless of which lead-free sensor option you choose.
Even if you sell in regions of the world not directly affected by RoHS, you should be aware of the performance impacts of lead-free sensors on your instruments. End-user specifications are evolving with newly available technologies, and equipment relying on galvanic principle sensors is quickly becoming non-compliant.
