Why Choosing the Right Arc Flash protection Matters for Workplace Safety?
When working in bothhigh–and low-voltage electricity environments, ProGARMmakessureworkersarekeptsafe.
WherePPE is well understoodtobeimportant, Arc Flash incidents are often underestimatedin the workplace. Reaching temperatures over 35,000°F—four times hotter than the surface of the sun—Arc Flash can cause serious burns in one-quarterof a second. Selecting the right Arc Flash Clothing is essential in order to safeguard workers and meet safety compliance standards.
Arc flash clothing and protection equipment including coveralls, gloves, helmets, face shields and general head-to-toe PPE (arc flash coveralls) are used to protect against flashover but will not prevent arc flash hazards.
Arc flash clothing and PPE such as arc flash suits should be worn when working on energised conductors, cables or circuits.
Layering is Crucial for Protection
Arc Flash PPE isn’t just about outer garments. The materials worn beneath the protective outer layers are equally critical in preventing burns and injuries. Everyday undergarments made of materials like nylon, cotton, or polypropylene can melt during an Arc Flash event, causing severe skin damage.
Pro Tip: Always wearArc-rated base layers, including tops, leggings, and even underwear, to ensure maximum protection.
Flame Retardant vs Arc Flash Resistant
A common misconception is that flame-retardant (FR) clothing provides Arc Flash protection. However, FR clothing is tested against fire hazards, not the intense thermal energy of Arc Flashes.
Key Differences:
Arc Flash-resistant clothing must meet higher tear resistance and tensile strength standards.
Look for Arc-rated garments with long sleeves, no exposed metal, and designs for easy removal in emergencies.
Understanding the Fabric: Treated vs. Inherent
When selecting Arc Flash PPE, understanding the difference between treated and inherent fabrics is essential:
Treated Fabrics:Treated chemically for fire resistance but may lose effectiveness after repeated washing or wear.
Inherent Fabrics:Materialsthat are inherently flame-resistant;their properties remainconsistent after repeated washing or wear.
Whereastreated fabrics may be more economical, inherent fabrics offer reliability and consistencyover time.
PPE Tailored arc flash Clothing
Poor-fitting PPE cancompromise safety. Most women in the workforce are still being forced to wear unisex or men‘s garments, which can be toobig and uncomfortable, leading to poor use–such as rolling up sleeves or unfastening jackets.
Solution:Specify PPE designed for women fora proper fit and optimal protection.
The New Standard for CAL Ratings
Recent developments in Arc Flash testing, includingthe ELIM method, betterindicatetheprotectionagarment can provide. Unlike the formersystem of ATPV that estimated the likelihood of burn, conservative measurements are taken with ELIM to ensure safety.
What to Check: Your PPE supplier shouldindicatewhether the garments meet ATPV or ELIM requirements for your specific safety needs.
Don’t Overlook Fastenings
Notonesingle part of Arc Flash PPE is unimportant, including those fastenings suchas zippers, buttons, and Velcro fasteners;all must be offlame-resistant materialforcomplete protection.
Did You Know? ProGARM‘s ThermSAFE™ fasteningsaremanufacturedusing military-specification materialsand offer unrivaled durability and safety.
Comfort is Non-Negotiable
Uncomfortable PPE often leads to improper use, reducing its effectiveness. Modern Arc Flash PPE made from breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking fabrics ensures workers remain safe and comfortable, even in challenging environments.
Features to Look For:
Flexible fabrics for ease of movement.
Moisture management to keep workers cool and dry.
Durable designs for long-term wear.
IEC 61482 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AGAINST THE THERMAL HAZARDS OF AN ELECTRIC ARC
Arc Flash-rated clothing and garments in layered ensembleprovide workwear protection from hazards according to IEC 61482,as PPE protects a worker against electric arc flash dangers. According to IEC 61482-1-1:2009 (whichincludes NFPA 70E 2015), the 4 arc risk categories are numbered according to the severity threat and determine the clothing protection level required to protect against a minimum level of incident energy measured in calories / cm² – this is the ‘Open Arc‘ test method and measures clothing protection level according to the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV).
NFPA 70E outlines the requirements for safe work practices to protect personnel by reducing exposure to workplace electrical hazards.
The ‘Box Arc’ tests clothing materials and fabric according to a pass/fail test by exposure to electric arc produced by 4kA (Class 1) and 7kA (Class 2) short circuits – this is IEC 61482-1-2:2009.
Safety Wear & Arc Flash Protection | Thorne & Derrick understand how critical it is to have reliable, highest quality personal protection equipment (PPE), clothing and workwear available from stock at competitive prices – protecting utility workers against arc flash dangers posed during maintenance on underground electric cables, overhead line conductors or electrical equipment.
CEMBRE MG4
THERMAL transfer PRINTER
The New Generation of Thermal Transfer Printing with the Cembre MG4
The Cembre MG4 Thermal Printer represents the next generation in thermal transfer printing technology, designed to enhance the efficiency and quality of cable cutting, crimping and labelling tools. Leveraging decades of industrial marking expertise, the MG4 is a versatile and portable solution that excels in a wide range of applications.
Equipped with a ribbon save system, the Cembre MG4 is a useful tool that improves the quality of work of its users by exploiting the technology and experience in industrial marking gained from working in the business sector. The large on-board touch screen enables quick and easy management of print projects, which can be used with both a mains power supply and with the Cembre CAS Alliance rechargeable batteries.
Cembre MG4 Thermal Kit
MG4 Printer
MiniRolly Printer
M2-32-25-WH1 (Thermo Roll)
M2-48-25-WH1 (Thermo Roll)
M2-64-25-WH1 (Thermo Roll)
TRR-055 842121 (Premium Ribbon)
CEMBRE MG4 PRINTER | Cable Labelling
Technical Specification
High-Speed Printing
Capable of printing 112 cable tags in under 20 seconds, the Cembre MG4 delivers time-efficient production for high-demand environments.
Exceptional Print Quality
The Cembre MG4 provides crisp and durable prints, suitable for text, logos, electrical symbols, QR codes, and vector images. It also supports various file formats, including clipart, drawings, barcodes, and bitmap images.
Durable Design
Engineered for robustness, the Cembre MG4’s rugged construction ensures reliability in challenging work conditions. It is built to withstand frequent use while maintaining superior performance.
CEMBRE MG4
PRINTER BENEFITS
Advanced Ribbon-Saving Technology: The MG4 is equipped with an innovative ribbon-saving system that optimizes ribbon usage for cost efficiency while delivering high-quality prints. This feature is ideal for businesses looking to reduce waste and enhance sustainability.
Intuitive User Interface:The printer includes alarge 5-inch touchscreen display, enabling effortless management of printing projects. This user-friendly interface ensures quick setup and seamless operation, whether in an office, production environment, or directly on-site.
Versatile Power Options: The MG4 can operate using either a mains power supply or CAS Alliance rechargeable batteries—a system compatible with all Cembre 18V tools. This makes the printer fully portable and highly adaptable to various job sites.
Comprehensive Connectivity:The MG4 supports multiple connectivity options, including USB, LAN, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct. Users can print directly from their PCs, smartphones, or tablets, ensuring flexibility in managing and executing projects.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION – CEMBRE MG4
The Cembre MG4 can be connected to the network via USB, LAN, and Wi-Fi networks and can connect devices through Wi-Fi Direct. Using this solution, a project can be printed in the office and sent directly to your smartphone or other communicative messaging methods.
The smart, large touch screen further allows quick and easy management of projects even if multiple users are connected to the system.
The Cembre MG4 is perfect for diverse cable marking tasks, including:
Text Printing: For clear and precise identification.
Logos and Clipart: Adding branding or visual elements.
Electrical Symbols: Essential for compliance and clarity.
QR Codes and Barcodes: Simplifying asset tracking and inventory management.
Cembre MG4 Product Details
MG4
MG4A
MG4E
Printer:
Thermal Transfer
Supply Voltage
24V
Current
3.75A
Gross Weight
10540,000 g
Printing Speed (One Sheet)
9 Sek
Maximum Resolution
300 x 600 DPI
Maximum Printable Surface
140 x 110 mm
Operating Temperature
+59 to +95
Relative Humidity (without condensation)
from 30 to 80
Dimensions:
409 x 236 x 240
Weight
6,1 (13.4) kg (lbs)
Acoustic Noise (UNI EN ISO 11202)
L(pa) < 70 dB L(pCPeak) < 130 dB
Minimum system requirements to use the “GENIUSPRO” software
PC with Intel CoreTM i3 processor, equivalent or higher
4 Gb of RAM memory
2 Gb of available hard disk space, monitor resolution 1280 x 1024 operating system : Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 32/64 bit
Interfaces (connectivity)
Ethernet 10 / 100 Base – T
WI-FI WLAN 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
Interface Templates
MG2-PLT 991002
MG2-QTB 991011
MG2-PWC 991000
MG2-PLT 991002
MG2-QTB 991011
MG2-PTM 991010
MG2-PLT 991002
MG2-QTB 991011
MG2-PTD 991007
Print Ribbon
28 x 53 x 120
MG4 MARKING tAGS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
The MG4 system offers metal-detectable tags and holders, produced with a unique additive that allows detection via metal detectors and X-rays. These tags ensure:
High resistance to oxidation
Easy identification in production processes
Compatibility with third-party terminal blocks or direct application with cable ties
This feature is particularly valuable for industries requiring strict contamination control.
MG4 Marking Tags
Cembre MG4 Thermal Printer | GeniusPro
Cembre’s GeniusPro Mobile Appenables seamless on-site management of print projects. Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, the app simplifies real-time updates and configuration changes, ensuring workflow efficiency.
Cembre is a leading European manufacturer of electrical connectors, crimping tools, cutting tools, and a variety of accessories for LV (low voltage), MV (medium voltage), and HV (high voltage) power systems. Designed for switchgear and control panels, Cembre tools are ideal for installing low and medium voltage connectors.
⚡️ Collaborating For Cable Safety ⚡️
Thorne & Derrick and our hire-partners Sunbelt Rentals are delighted to announce that we will be co-exhibiting at OWNE, a leading national event for the offshore wind sector hosted by NOF – the event attracts an outstanding line-up of speakers and supply chain opportunities.
Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager) and Jonny Hewitt (Key Accounts Manager) from Thorne & Derrick will be joined by Patrick Winter (National Business Development Manager) and Ste Brown (Service Centre Manager) from Sunbelt Rentals – together we all look forward to meeting existing and new clients and suppliers on Stand C03.
High Voltage Cable Safety
We will be Exhibiting & Demonstrating products to ensure array and export cable safety and the reliability of high voltage power systems and offshore substations – this includes Tools and Instruments for Cable Testing, Cutting, Spiking & Termination up to 120kV from PENTA, Alroc, Nexans, Ripley, Vicera and b2 electronics GmbH.
Cable SPIKING & CUTTING TOOL
We will be demonstrating LIVE the Picoup 400 Cable Spiker with Integrated Cutter alongside the industry’s most comprehensive range of Cable Preparation, Termination & VLF Test Instruments for 33kV, 66kV and up to 120kV power cables.
The unique PICOUP 400 from PENTA provides a combined “Spike & Cut” capability in a single-tool operation – exclusively stocked by Thorne & Derrick. Available from the Sunbelt Rentals hire fleet.
Location: Beacon of Light Sunderland Date: 6th & 7th November
NOF is a UK wide, business development membership organisation, helping to make valuable connections between businesses in the global energy sector. They work on behalf of members and their network of partners to put companies of all sizes in touch with the best and most innovative supply chain businesses in the UK.
The organisation offers an annual membership with four core services: Business Development, Industry Introductions, Events and Supply Chain Engagement. Your NOF membership can be enhanced with access to the Offshore Wind Projects Database.
Thorne & Derrick
Thorne & Derrick supply LV HV Electrical Cable, Jointing, Tools & Power Distribution Equipment up to 66kV to the UK and international Offshore & Onshore Wind & Renewable industry – we hold several Framework Supply Agreements with international energy providers, wind turbine manufacturers and High Voltage Power Energy Companies.
Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to world-wide destinations.
Revolutionising Marine Electrical System’s with PFISTERER’S Plug Marine
The PLUG MARINE system manufactured by Pfistereroffers a ground-breaking solution for the electrical connection of power components, energy storage systems, transformers, converters and even propulsion systems on ships and other offshore applications.
Unmatched Performance and Versatility
The PLUG MARINE system is a single-pole plug-in solution designed to safely transmit high currents. It supports a power spectrum ranging from 400 to 1,250 amps at voltages of 1.8 to 3.6 kV, both in DC and AC. This robust connector system has proven its value and reliability through extensive use in trains and wind turbines over the years. The transition to marine applications is a natural progression, leveraging the proven technology in a new and demanding environment.
Certification and Reliability
Recently, the PLUG MARINE system received DNV-GL certification, further validating its suitability for marine applications. This certification attests to its reliability and safety for use on ships, offshore connector platforms, and floating wind turbines. Whether for connecting electric motors and turbines, generator connections, switchgear, transformers, or battery systems, the PLUG MARINE system meets the rigorous standards required in marine environments.
A New Era of Marine Connectivity
With the DNV-GL certification, PFISTERER’s PLUG MARINE system is now recognized for its capability to handle the demanding conditions of marine and offshore installations. This robust and reliable connector system not only simplifies the electrical connections of high-power components but also ensures safety and durability. The use of PLUG MARINE in the marine industry promises to enhance the performance and reliability of electrical systems on ships and offshore platforms, marking a significant advancement in marine technology.
In conclusion, PFISTERER’s PLUG MARINE system stands out as a versatile and dependable solution for high-current electrical connections in the marine industry. Its proven track record in other industries and recent certification underscore its potential to revolutionize marine electrical systems, providing a safe, efficient, and robust alternative to traditional wiring methods.
Use in Alternative Energy Systems & DC Power Distribution Systems
The marine industry has set itself the task of sustainably reducing CO2 emissions. It is also working on ambitious projects in many areas. “We are convinced that the PLUG MARINE system can make an important contribution to modular, scalable concepts as part of innovative cabling systems for AC or DC networks and power components. We are also happy to pass on our experience from the wind and rail sectors,” says Dr. Thomas Schilla.
THORNE & DERRICK
Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute PFISTERER CONNEX Connectorsfor medium / high voltage cable connection and termination to electrical systems up to 33kV – we provide competitive prices for PFISTERER CONNEX connectors used to terminate and connect polymeric insulated MV-HV cables into gas insulated switchgear and electrical equipment from extensive UK stocks.
Thorne & Derrick are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing businesses involved in cabling, jointing, substation, earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV. Supplying a complete range of power cable accessories to support the installation and maintenance of low/medium and high voltage cable systems:
Slip-on Cable Terminations
Cold-shrink Cable Terminations
Heat-shrink Cable Terminations
Cable Joints – Heat & Cold-shrink
Separable Connectors (Euromold)
Surge Arresters & Switchgear/Transformer Bushings
Voltage Detectors MV HV | 11kV 33kV 66kV 132KV Up To EHV
THORNE & DERRICK | LV HV | Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt up to 66kV
Thorne & Derrick | Arc Flash Protection Clothing Distributed from Stock | Approved Supplier | UK & Export Sales
GORE-TEX PYRAD STRETCH | ARC FLASH CLOTHING
Thorne & Derrick are a UK Specialist Distributor for ProGARM the arc flash clothing and accessories manufacturer, delivering the ultimate arc flash protection with a wide range of men’s and women’s garments available in hi – vis yellow, hi-vis orange, two-tone yellow, blue and single colour blue.
ProGARM provide practical and functional clothing designed to protect people and save lives with most garments available from stock.
With everything from FR base layers to arc flash waterproofs ProGARM have a complete range of arc rated clothing including polo shirts, sweatshirts, trousers, jackets, softshells and coveralls as well as helmets, gloves and other accessories.
GORE-TEX PYRAD WATERPROOF ARC FLASH CLOTHING
Introducing the most advances Arc Flash Protection combined with levels of wearability, the ProGARM x the GORE-TEX Brand collection has brought the new arc flash clothing line the GORE-TEX PYRAD clothing line.
This range of GORE-TEX PYRAD Waterproof Arc Flash Protection is Class 2 rated, Arc Flash and Fire resistant and brings a level of comfort and protection where workers can focus on the job at hand and work for long periods of time outdoors and in tough conditions.
Reaching temperatures of up to 35,000°F—four times hotter than the surface of the sun and producing a sound louder than a gunshot, an arc flash is a terrifying danger that any workplace can be exposed to every day.
Add in the effects of wet weather and other extreme conditions that can impair workers’ ability to perform, and the risk of a life-threatening arc flash incident is heightened.
ProGARM and GORE have joined together to bring the Arc flash protection line to keep wearers warm, dry, and safe.
Arc Rated GORE-TEX PYRAD fabric stays lightweight and comfortable even when wet. They remain up to 20% lighter when wet or dry than other arc protection category 3 garments, making them feel less bulky to wear. Wearing the right protective gear in foul weather can make all the difference in job performance.
Fabric that avoids a build-up of heat
GORE-TEX fabrics feature durable waterproof and windproof protection with high breathability. The fabric is engineered so that sweat vapour can escape to avoid a build-up of heat and perspiration, and it can also easily withstand high water pressure.
Unlike any other arc flash PPE using the same fabric,
As the only UK manufacturer specialising 100% in arc flash and flame resistant PPE, ProGARM continuously invests in industry-leading research and testing to keep on top of developments in new manufacturing and design techniques, better fabrics, and safer materials.
Pioneering design and attention to detail mean ProGARM’s arc flash PPE is engineered with unique differences to maximise safety and comfort.
Every single element is arc flash and flame resistant, right down to the stitching threads and increasing safety through layers.
Garments are designed to be as comfortable and practical to wear as possible, regardless of gender. ProGARM has developed one of the widest ranges of female-specific arc flash garments on the market, tailoring for different body proportions and for smaller details such as the wider range of motion of female joints—something ProGARM will continue with their new GORE range, which will include jackets, trousers, and coveralls.
Maximising safety and comfort
Maximum comfort with the higher protection from arc flash, so workers remain safe no matter the challenge, or the weather.
Safely fitting workwear for male and female body shapes. High levels of customer service customers have come to depend on. These are just some of the benefits companies and workers can expect to see as ProGARM and GORE unlock new levels of protection in their new range of arc flash PPE.
💡 Did you know? – While high voltage equipment does increase the likelihood and intensity of arc flash explosions, they can occur in any live electrical environment – even low voltage.
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