As a skilled electrician who relies on flame-resistant, arc-rated clothing to stay safe and in compliance at work, it’s important to learn which types of FR clothing offer arc flash protection and understand the different levels of protection available. Making the distinction between general FR clothing and specialized garments that protect against arc flash is essential to ensure you’re choosing the right safety apparel for your needs.
What Kind of FR Clothing Offers Arc Flash Protection?Only arc-rated (AR) clothing offers protection from an electric arc flash. Is FR clothing arc-rated? Not necessarily. All arc-rated (AR) clothing is also flame-resistant, but not all flame-resistant clothing is arc-rated. It’s important to know the difference. AR clothing can be a lifesaver in the event of an arc flash -- a sudden, high-current electrical discharge when working with or around electrical equipment.
You can find several categories of AR apparel to outfit you from head to toe with protection from arc flash, flash fire, and visibility hazards. From flame-resistant pants and uniform shirts to base layers and accessories, every part of your work wardrobe should be arc-rated for full protection when you’re working with electrical equipment.
Because all AR clothing is also FR, you benefit from bundled protection that keeps you safe in the event of electrical flashovers, high temperatures, and flash fires. AR fabrics, construction, and finished garments have to meet strict testing standards set by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) and the Canada Standards Association (CSA Group). These standards ensure AR clothing offers a high level of protection for workers in the event of an electrical arc flash.
How Do You Protect Against Arc Flash?You can protect yourself from an arc flash by ensuring you’re wearing high-quality arc-rated safety clothing. Your workwear must comply with testing standards that demonstrate a garment’s ability to protect you from sudden discharges of high current. You can determine how much protection a particular garment offers from arc flash by looking at the clothing label to check the Arc Thermal Protection Value (ATPV), displayed in a calorie per square centimeter format (such as 8 cal/cm2).
What PPE is required against arc flash? Electricians should look for arc-rated PPE that meets CSA Z462, NFPA 70E, and ASTM 1506 standards. This ensures the garment provides enough thermal insulation to prevent burns and serious injuries in electric arc flash events. Take a look at the clothing label or product page online to find out a garment’s ATPV and PPE category (CAT) to compare with the minimum requirements set by your employer or jurisdiction.
How to Ensure Your Workwear is Arc-RatedChecking labels is a simple way to ensure you’re choosing the right safety apparel for your working environment. Manufacturers are required to display all the essential information on the level of protection a garment offers on the label. You’ll see the following information on AR clothing labels:
- “This garment meets the minimum requirements of performance specification ASTM F1506”
- ATPV displayed as cal/cm2
Review the 4 different PPE arc rating levels for arc rated safety clothing:
|
PPE Category |
Arc-Rated PPE Examples |
Minimum Arc Rating Required |
|
1 |
Shirt, pants, or coverall |
4 cal/cm2 |
|
2 |
Shirt, pants, or coverall + hood or balaclava & face shield |
8 cal/cm2 |
|
3 |
Shirt, pants, or coverall + hood |
25 cal/cm2 |
|
4 |
Shirt & pants, coverall, or flash suit + hood |
40 cal/cm2 |
These designations are earned when AR clothing manufacturers have certified third-party labs test the fabric, trims, and finished garments. Testing exposes materials to a controlled electrical arc discharge and measures performance. All MWG Apparel fabrics, garments, and layering combinations are tested by third-party labs.
You can enjoy peace of mind as an electrician when you choose quality, high-performance workwear from the proper PPE category. Buying from an established brand like MWG Apparel ensures your workwear meets or exceeds the most stringent AR standards, undergoes third-party tests and certification, and is available in a wide range of styles and apparel options to ensure that you’re safe and in compliance on the job.
Unforeseeable hazards in the workplace can lead to significant issues. Ensuring you are equipped with the right protective gear is of the utmost importance. Explore MWG Apparel's diverse selection of FR shirts, base layers, pants, and other high-quality items that you can rely on.