Arc Flash Legislation & Regulation
by Mark Lant | Protecting Lives Through Innovative ARC Flash & Flame Resistant Clothing Solutions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is acknowledged to be the last line of defence for workers, meaning that understanding the different standards governing PPE is of vital importance. Yet a study by ProGARM, arc flash protective clothing specialists, uncovered that 78% of industry workers were unfamiliar with the relevant legislation for protection of personnel against the hazards of arc flash incidents.
With so many different industries at risk of arc flash – a relatively misunderstood, but extremely common type of electrical explosion facing sectors from industrial electrical, to utilities, civil engineering and rail – Mark Lant, Technical Expert at ProGARM, explains the relevant legislation and guidelines to ensure managers and workers alike are up to date on the latest standard updates, and to ensure protection against the potentially fatal consequences of an arc flash.
Hazardex | this article was originally published in the February print edition of HazardEx magazine the UK’s leading publication for safety, health and hazardous area professionals. Register and sign-up here
Arc Flash Protection
The first standard is IEC 61482. This is the overall standard covering protective clothing that protects against the thermal arc hazards of an electric arc, and covers many aspects of garment design and testing.
The thermal energy generated by an arc flash can reach temperatures of up to 19,000°C – up to four times hotter than the surface of the sun – and is the key element that distinguishes a ‘normal’ electrical blast from an arc flash blast.
To determine whether garments meet the requirements for this standard, all prospective PPE must pass one of two test methods: Open Arc or Box Arc.
These tests will measure the ATPV or the new ELIM ratings of a garment.
ATPV values are calculated from a prediction of the incident energy level of an arc flash, at which there’s a 50% probability that the heat transfer will cause the
PPE material to break open and expose the operative. However, the new ELIM ratings are measured to ensure a 0% probability.
It’s crucial to note that under the new ELIM testing, a product’s ELIM rating could be different from its ATPV rating, despite it being the same garment.
BS EN 1149-5 is the European Standard for garments that protect against electrostatic discharge in areas where there is a risk of explosion, and is most applicable to petrochemical and fuel distribution businesses. It states that workers must be provided with appropriate clothing consisting of materials which do not give rise to electrical discharges that can ignite explosive atmospheres. In other words – the outer fabric of the garments worn must be made from antistatic materials and cover all noncomplying materials.
The standard also states that non-dissipative materials (labels, reflective stripes etc.) must not exceed 50mm in length, unless they also pass the anti-static test.
RIS-3279-TOM (formerly GO-RT 3279) is a high visibility standard that only applies to the rail industry in the UK, as opposed to the EU-Wide nature of other EN standards. The aim is to ensure that rail workers on or near the trackside are sufficiently visible to trains approaching at speed or any other traffic.
Another standard concerning visibility is BS EN ISO 20471 specifying the requirements for clothing noticeability during the day and at night. It deals with things like illumination in car headlights and classifies garments based on the number of square meters of fluorescent fabric/reflective tape incorporated into the clothing. The BS EN ISO 20471 standard has replaced EN 471 which has now been withdrawn.
BS EN ISO 14116 is the standard which has replaced the withdrawn EN533. It covers outerwear that would usually be worn over other protective garments. The objective is to ensure that, once in contact with the material, the amount the flame spreads and the time it burns are limited. This is tested using different codes; Index 1, 2 & 3, with each getting more rigorous as the numbers increase.
The BS EN ISO 11612 standard replaces the now-withdrawn EN531 standard and applies to clothing intended for a wide range of application which offer limited flame spread and provide protection against various hazards including radiant heat, convective heat and splatters of molten metal. The standard requires that the material of a garment shall not ignite or melt and shall not shrink by more than 5% with mechanical strength and heat resistance at a temperature of 180°C.
There are several fabric tests within this EN standard, and the results of the tests are represented by the pre-fix letters A, B, C, D, E and F. The number after these letters indicate the performance of the fabric within this test. If a (0) is shown, then the fabric has not been tested or does not achieve the lowest value attainable with the test.
Protection against liquid chemicals falls under the bracket of BS EN 13034 which is in place to determine the garment’s resistance against small splatters or fumes of chemicals. This is achieved by chemical coating the garments in order to repel any contaminants and preserve the properties within the clothing. Testing for this standard consists of a ‘mannequin test’, in which the wearer must perform 7 basic movements and the permeability of the clothing to chemical is subsequently determined.
BS EN 14404 relates to trousers and coveralls which offer kneepad pockets to protect the wearer when kneeling. Knee pads are tested based on three properties – penetration resistance, force distribution and shock absorption. Two levels of protection can be provided according to BS EN 14404. Level 1 requires kneepads to provide protection against objects more than 1cm high. Level 2 requires pads to be able to withstand use under heavy conditions such as kneeling on stones in mines and quarries.
Finally, BS EN 343 outlines the requirements garments must adhere to, with regards to protection against rain, snow, mist and ground moisture. BS EN 343’s icon shows an umbrella placed under two numbers that represent the X and Y values. The X value indicates the waterproofness and the Y value indicates the water vapour permeability. There are 3 classes for both X and Y values, with 3 being the highest and 1 the lowest.
This particular standard falls under the bracket of ‘self-certification’ meaning manufacturers are allowed to certify their own products. This is because the only risk to the wearer is getting slightly wet and is not life threatening.
Mark Lant has been a Sales Manager at ProGARM for almost seven years and was previously involved in the sales team for ASKAS, a workwear safety brand based in Hull. Due to his large range of experience in the sales world of protection wear, Mark is perfectly placed to educate on how to protect lives through Arc Flash and flame-resistant clothing.
Thorne and Derrick are proud to be distributors of ProGARM arc flash clothing and protection.
We can help – should you require arc flash calculators or advice on the type of clothing and protection available please do not hesitate to contact us.
Arc Flash Clothing | Polo Shirts | Jackets | Coveralls | Trousers | Sweatshirts | Helmets
Thorne and Derrick are proud to be distributors of ProGARM arc flash coveralls and protection.
We can help – should you require arc flash calculators or advice on the type of clothing and protection available please do not hesitate to contact us.
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 power systems:
Key Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV
uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are the Specialist Distributor for the Nexans Power Cable Accessory range of Screened Separable Connectors (Euromold), Cold-Applied (AIN AFN) & Heat Shrink Joints (JTS) & Cable Terminations (MONO) for Medium Voltage Power Systems up to 33kV; we hold extensive stocks and provide the most competitive commercial and technical levels of customer service in the UK.
Nexans have created a 4 Part Video series focusing on frequently asked questions regarding their Euromold range of separable connectors for the termination of polymeric cables into gas-insulated-switchgear.
Nexans Euromold products include MV-HV Connectors, Joints & Terminations to connect, splice, repair and maintain medium/high voltage cable and power distribution systems – commonly referred to as cable plugs, Tee’s or elbows the Euromold range of connectors suit all European DIN EN 50180 and American (ANSI) specification bushings.
Thorne & Derrick have created a 4 Part Blog Series to compliment the videos which can be found below.
Disclaimer : Product should be installed only by competent personnel trained in good safety practices involving high voltage electrical equipment. This video is not intended as a substitute for the installation instruction given with each kit and adequate training or experience in such safety practices.
Cable Innovation Tools & Accessories for Low & High Voltage Power Systems
Contact us for Competitive Prices & Fast Delivery from Stocks for Heat Shrink, Cold Shrink & EPDM Rubber Connectors, Joints & Terminations up to 66kV.
Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Accessories, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV.
Stocking & Supplying | Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling Eqpt | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV up to 66kV Ex Stock
Euromold MV HV | Cable Terminations, Connectors, Elbows & Joints
Installation & Clamping Onto Their Mating Bushings MV HV
In this Webisode Nexans will show you how to correctly install the Euromold Compact Connectors onto their mating bushings of MV HV electrical equipment including switchgear and transformers providing power distribution at 11kV/33kV.
It is important to install the separable connector on its mating bushing in the correct way.
After cleaning and lightly lubricating both the connector and the bushing interface, you can push the connector onto the bushing.
You can now insert the clamping screw into the threaded hole of the bushing. It is important to do this hand first, to correctly engage the threads and avoid cross-threading.
Then a torque wrench should be used to tighten the clamping screw. The tightening torque that needs to be applied is specified in the installation instructions that come with the kit.
What About the Nexans Stud-nut Version?
With the stud-nut you first need to install the stud into the threaded hole of the bushing interface before doing anything else. The installation instructions indicate which tools can be used and which torque needs to be applied. What to do next?
How do Nexans continue with the installation?
Please Note: Only the components included in the kit should be used.
Nexans Euromold Separable Connectors | 33kV MV HV Elbows Tees Plugs
Contact us for Competitive Prices & Fast Delivery from Stocks for Heat Shrink, Cold Shrink & EPDM Rubber Connectors, Joints & Terminations up to 66kV.
Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Accessories, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV.
Stocking & Supplying | Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling Eqpt | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV
Euromold MV HV | Cable Terminations, Connectors, Elbows & Joints
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of MV HV Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from manufacturers including 3M, Prysmian, Nexans Euromold, Elastimold, Pfisterer CONNEX & SEANEX.
Heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories enable the jointing, terminating and connection of 11kV-33kV and 66kV-132kV cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines distributing electricity at medium/high voltages.
Thorne & Derrick hold large stocks of 11kV 33kV 66kV Joints & Terminations suitable for XLPE, PILC and EPR cables, in both heat shrink and Cold Shrink technologies, to service the medium/high voltage power cable accessory requirements of UK and international customers.
uploaded by Chris Dodds | Thorne & Derrick Sales Marketing Manager
Personal Protective Equipment – There are lots of factors to consider when choosing and specifying the right arc flash PPE for your team. We highlight some of the areas that you might not have given as much thought, to help you make the best-informed decision for everyone involved.
This Blog gives an insight into some of the top considerations when it comes to PPE – delivered by experts ProGARM.
There can be serious consequences if arc flash protection (PPE) is compromised. All layers of clothing need to be considered when protecting against Arc Flash.
The material worn beneath an Arc Flash protective jacket is just as crucial as outer clothing.
Arc flash protective undergarments – The risk of mixing non-arc layers with arc-rated clothing
Making the right PPE choices for your team can be a real challenge. You must weigh up several factors: comfort, fit, durability and value for money to name but a few. But what can happen when you start to mix a variety of garments that offer different levels of protection or meet different standards?
While flames caused by an Arc Flash may not actually come into contact with the skin through protective outer layers, the extreme heat from the Arc Flash can melt materials used to manufacture everyday undergarments such as nylon, cotton and polypropylene. This will inflict burns on an operative and potentially cause non-Arc Flash protective undergarments to melt into the skin underneath their PPE.
Flame retardant doesn’t mean arc flash resistant.
With all the different safety standards surrounding safety clothing, it can be confusing understanding the extent to which each standard covers in terms of protection. We outline how Arc Flash clothing differs from flame retardant garments and the reasons why.
There are separate safety standards for Arc Flash clothing and fire resistance, meaning that the level of protection provided by fire-resistant clothing does not match that or arc flash resistant personal protective clothing.
Products certified from May 2019 onward will use the new icon, which is on the right.
Not all Arc Flash clothing is made using the same fabric types, we help you identify the difference between inherent and treated fabrics so you’re up to speed with the clothing choices available to you.
The two phrases regularly used when shopping for appropriate PPE clothing are ‘treated fabric’ and ‘inherent fabric’. Treated fabric is made from fibres which are not flame retardant by nature but have undergone a chemical process to add a fire-resistance quality to them.
Download the full guide here for more tips on Arc Flash PPE considerations.
ProGARM delivers ultimate arc flash clothing and protection, conforming with the relevant industry and EN standards ensuring protection from arc flash incidents for workers carrying out installation or maintenance of LV Low Voltage, MV Medium Voltage or HV High Voltage power systems.
Arc Flash Protection
The dangers of Arc Flash incidents and the importance of protection from these hazards has never been as significant as it is today. This prominence will continue to increase over the next few years.
With multiple cable strikes every day in the UK and numerous major Arc Flash incidents, businesses are looking at how best to protect their team with the right Flame Resistant garments and accessories, including arc-rated gloves. The correct clothing can significantly reduce injury and save lives.
ProGARM and Thorne & Derrick are committed to continual research and improvement to innovate and develop their range of arc flash clothing as quickly as possible to bring you the best Arc Flash protection for your team – this includes hand protection against flash incidents using arc-rated gloves.
An electric arc occurs whenever a circuit breaker, switch or isolator (Device) is opened and when there is current flowing in the circuit. However, most devices under normal operating conditions are designed to control the arc when opening or closing.
An arc flash may occur when the arc is uncontrolled and there is sufficient energy released to cause harm or damage.
Arc flashes occur both at high voltage and low voltage. There is little discrimination: low voltage arc flashes injuries are just as damaging at high voltage injuries.
Put simply: An arc flash is the light and heat produced from an electrical arc supplied with sufficient energy to cause significant damage, fire or injury.
An arc flash can cause minor injuries, third-degree burns and potential death as well as other injuries including blindness, hearing loss, nerve damage and cardiac arrest. Fatal burns can occur when the victim is several feet from the arc. Serious burns are common at a distance of 10 feet – arc flash can generate heat 4 times greater than the surface of the sun.
The dangers of an Arc Flash
Thorne and Derrick are proud to be distributors of ProGARM arc flash coveralls and protection.
We can help – should you require arc flash calculators or advice on the type of clothing and protection available please do not hesitate to contact us.
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 power systems:
Key Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV
Bevelling The Edge Of The Core Insulation During Installation
In this Webisode Nexans discuss bevelling or chamfering the edge of the core insulation during installation of the Euromold connectors.
Carefully read the installation instructions that come with the separable connector kit in order to perform the correct preparation for the specific cable you have at hand. For most cable types, the first steps are the removal of the cable outer sheath and removal of the semi-conductor screen.
Then remove the core insulation from the conductor. Standard core insulation removal tools will leave a sharp, 90° edge of the insulation. If not taken care of, this might damage the inside of the cable accessory during installation.
A sharp edge will also scrape off silicone grease, making it more difficult to install the cable adaptor for the Euromold connector.
So to avoid cable damage and to assure an easy slip-on of the cable accessory, the edge of the core insulation should be bevelled using an appropriate tool. Tools that provide a 45º chamfer are often used in the field, but tools that provide a smooth radius are even better.
For some conductor sizes, an installation tool is available to further ease the installation of the cable adaptor.
Nexans Euromold Separable Connectors | 33kV MV HV Elbows Tees Plugs
Contact us for Competitive Prices & Fast Delivery from Stocks for Heat Shrink, Cold Shrink & EPDM Rubber Connectors, Joints & Terminations up to 66kV.
Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Accessories, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV.
Stocking & Supplying | Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling Eqpt | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV
Euromold MV HV | Cable Terminations, Connectors, Elbows & Joints
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of MV HV Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from manufacturers including 3M, Prysmian, Nexans Euromold, Elastimold, Pfisterer CONNEX & SEANEX.
Heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories enable the jointing, terminating and connection of 11kV-33kV and 66kV-132kV cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines distributing electricity at medium/high voltages.
Thorne & Derrick hold large stocks of 11kV 33kV 66kV Joints & Terminations suitable for XLPE, PILC and EPR cables, in both heat shrink and Cold Shrink technologies, to service the medium/high voltage power cable accessory requirements of UK and international customers.
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