Andrew, perhaps the big green "Lead-free" sticker that everyone wanted
to be able to put on their product has become, inadvertently, a sticker
that the savvy customer will want to avoid. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Leadfree [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kostic, Andrew D.
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 2:28 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [LF] Stealth RoHS Products in the US

I had to buy a replacement window air conditioner on Saturday due to
failure of an old unit (fan blade broke off). North central Virginia can
get a bit warm during the dog days of summer so I was motivated to get a
replacement quickly.

When I went to the local branch of the megalithic hardware store chain
that services my area, I had a large variety of AC units of varying
capacities and features to choose from. This was a good thing in my
opinion. 

Being an engineer/scientist I agonized over EER, BTU, and other
technical minutiae that we all enjoy agonizing over in such situations.
My selection was made. The price was not too horrible and one of the
features listed on the box was a 5 year in-home warranty.

Needless to say, by the time I got back and began the installation the
light was failing. Makes it much more fun when you can't see well.

I removed the old unit and put it carefully aside for future repair
(like I said I am a scientist/engineer). Pulled the new unit out of the
box and attached the side curtains (actually pretty easy). Did the 66
pound dead lift and put it up into position with not a horrible amount
of effort (did I mention that the window where I was installing the AC
had a bottom sill about 48 inches off the floor?).

Plugged the unit in and turned it on. Impressive airflow and cooling.
Much better than the previous unit. 

When I was tearing down the box I noticed an inconspicuous white sticker
on the inside with green letters. You guessed it ... "ROHS". 

Nothing on the outside of the box or the in-store advertising made any
mention of the "environmental friendliness" of the unit. I suspect that
since all AC units at the store were the same brand they would also all
have the same "advantage". It was surprising that the marketing folks
for the hardware store chain did not point out ROHS-compliance as a
selling point for the masses.

I am very happy that I chose a unit with a 5 year in-home warranty.
Hopefully, I will not have to exercise that option too many times. It
might be worthwhile to look at boxes containing new items in case you
also run into "stealth ROHS" products.

Best regards, 

Andy Kostic 

Thought without action is as useless as action without thought.

Andrew D. Kostic, Ph. D. 
Engineering Fellow
Northrop Grumman
Electronic Systems
Product Integrity Engineering
(410) 765 6594 



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