Arc Standards
It is this burn injury that protective clothing is intended to reduce. With temperatures as high as 4000°C (7232°F), an electric arc flash can be extremely destructive. Protective clothing should be utilized in such a way as to reduce the potential burn injury, limiting the amount of the body that would sustain a second degree burn injury.
Detailed hazard analysis can be performed to predict the potential heat energy given off by an electric arc flash. Clothing systems can then be utilized by the worker that would offer sufficient protection should there be an exposure.
Clothing systems protection is described as the Arc Rating. This represents the amount of heat energy the clothing system could be exposed to with a 50% probability of a second degree burn injury. Arc Ratings are expressed in calories/cm2.
Resource Info
- OHSA 29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926
- Arc Flash Hazard Report
- ASTM F1891 Summary
- NFPA 70E Summary
- Electric Arc Resistance
- ASTM F1959 test apparatus
Related Standards |
|
Standard | Name |
Handbook for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2012 Edition
|
|
Standard Guide for Care and Maintenance of Flame, Thermally and Arc Resistant Clothing
|
|
Standard Specification for Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear
|
|
Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards
|
|
Standard Test Method for Determining the Arc Thermal Performance Value of Materials for Clothing
|
|
Live working – Flame-resistant materials for clothing for thermal protection of workers – Thermal hazards of an electric arc – Part 1: Test methods
|
Related articles
- Face Shields: When you’re face to face with arcing hazards, Hugh Hoagland, Electrical World, June 1998
- Minimize Arc-Burning Incidents: Protective clothing knowledge can save Lives, Electrical Contracting & Engineering News, July 1998
- Take the guesswork out of arc-protective apparel, Hugh Hoagland, Electrical World, December 1996
- Winterwear must be warm – It must also be arc protective, Hugh Hoagland, Electrical World, August 1997