Other / 17/09/2019

Is leaded solder legal in the US?

Since the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986 the use of lead-containing solders in potable water systems has effectively been banned nationwide. The major impact of the Act has been on solder containing 50% tin and 50% lead (50-50), until then the most widely used solder for drinking water systems.

Can you sell products with lead solder?

It is not illegal to use lead bearing solder. The law prevents it from being sold or placed on the market – that means sampled or given away. It is very similar to the legislation forbidding the sale of cadmium bearing silver solders.

Can I use lead solder for electronics?

Summary. The main types of solder are lead and lead-free. You can use both for electronics, but it can be easier to work with lead-based solder. Make sure to stay away from acid core solder as this is intended for plumbing, NOT electronics.

When was lead-based solder banned?

1986
In 1986, the U.S. mandated a lead-free solder for plumbing, so the age of your house and knowledge of when the plumbing was installed can help you. If your house was built before 1986, your plumbing may have lead solder.

Is solder harder than lead?

A: Lead-free solder has a higher melting point, which makes it harder to work with – it’s 217C for lead-free compared to 183C for lead alloys. Lead also helps eliminate tin whiskers, which are still a nuisance. In terms of safety, the risks are primarily to the environment.

Do you need flux with lead-free solder?

Lead-free solder generally requires a made-for-lead-free flux designed to be used under slightly higher temperatures. Liquid flux can greatly help with surface mount soldering and desoldering components, but the flux inside cored-solder should be sufficient for through hole components.

Is lead solder harmful?

Soldering with lead (or other metals used in soldering) can produce dust and fumes that are hazardous. In addition, using flux containing rosin produces solder fumes that, if inhaled, can result in occupational asthma or worsen existing asthmatic conditions; as well as cause eye and upper respiratory tract irritation.

How do you tell if solder has lead in it?

Rub the test area with an activated LeadCheck® Swab. If the tip of the LeadCheck® Swab is pink or red, there is lead. Swab tips exposed to leaded solder will turn pink or red instantly. Any remaining dye, if negative, will become pale yellow to colorless.

Is it bad to use lead solder?

Does 60/40 solder contain lead?

Standard lead-based solderis made of tin and lead. When you see 60/40 or 63/37, it means 60% tin by weight, 40% lead. Either once of these alloys should be fine for typical small electronics soldering.

Why is lead not used in solder anymore?

The main reason why lead is not used in making solder anymore is due to its negative effect to human health. Lead poisoning can damage our vital organs, such as brain, kidneys, and heart.

Is it safe to use lead free solder?

Because lead has some damaging effects to our health, the industry is moving away from lead and towards lead-free solder. Lead-free solder is solder without lead. EU requires commercially available electronics to use lead-free solder (RHoS) because of the health hazards of lead.

What kind of solder was used in the past?

Solder based on lead was universally used in the past. It was made of a mixture of tin and lead. Usually a 60/40 (tin/lead) mix, that melts at around 180-190C degrees. Because lead has some damaging effects to our health, the industry is moving away from lead and towards lead-free solder. Lead-free solder is solder without lead.

Why do Plumbers use lead free solder in their plumbing?

Lead-free solders have been increasing in use due to regulatory requirements plus the health and environmental benefits of avoiding lead-based electronic components. They are almost exclusively used today in consumer electronics. Plumbers often use bars of solder, much thicker than the wire used for electrical applications.

What’s the difference between tin and lead solder?

Tin has a lower melting point than Lead, so more Tin means a lower melting point. Most common lead-based solder you’ll find at the gadget store will be 60Sn/40Pb (for 60% tin, 40% lead). There’s some other minor variations you’re likely to see, such as 63Sn/37Pb, but for general hobbyist purposes I have used 60/40 for years with no issue.