Arc Flash Clothing Standards
Purchasing arc flash products which conform to EN Standards guarantees your team is protected.
Depending on which sector you operate in, the Arc Flash Clothing Standards according to EN Standards that matter to your business may differ slightly if your industry requires arc flash clothing. However, it’s vital that you equip your team with protective clothing that conforms to IEC 61482. This is the international standard applicable to Arc Flash and flash fire hazard protection. All ProGARM arc flash garments are rigorously tested to the Open Arc and Box Arc methods, providing protection across our range.
EN ISO 11612 certified garments provide protection against heat and flame.
Protection Against Arc Flash | Clothing & Garments
This protects against hazards including radiant heat, convective heat and splatters of molten metal, although it is not a substitute for clothing made to withstand high temperatures for longer periods of time. The specifications for each standard that ProGARM arc flash garments conform to are provided both on our website and in our brochure. You can be sure that you’re equipping your team with clothing designed to protect them in the field, whichever sector you operate in.
The European Standard for garments that protect against electrostatic discharge in areas where there is a risk of explosion (ATEX Environments) such as petrochemical refineries and fuel distribution companies. For further information see BS EN 1149-5 Standard.
ProGARM products are certified in accordance with this EN Standard to protect workers in welding processes by subjecting fabrics to a series of tests. For further information see BS EN ISO 11611 Standard.
The international standard that specifies the requirements for hi vis clothing ensuring the wearer is more noticeable in hazardous situations during the day, as well as at night. For further information see Standard BS EN ISO 20471.
Clothing manufactured to this standard is made from flame retardant materials so that if the material comes into contact with a flame, it will only continue to burn for a limited amount of time. After removal from the flame, the material will stop burning. For further information see BS EN ISO 14116 Standard.
RIS-3279-TOM Tested Arc Flash Coveralls (Hi-Vis Orange) | ProGARM 4693
The requirements apply 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. For further information see BS EN ISO 11612 Standard.
Garments manufactured in accordance with this EN Standard are suitable for use in environments where there may be a risk of chemical splashes but where a total chemical barrier is not required. For further information see BS EN 13034 Standard.
This EN Standard specifies the requirements and test methods for garments and clothing combinations designed to protect the wearer in a cold environment (characterised by a combination of humidity, wind and air temperature lower than -5 °C). For further information see BS EN 342 Standard.
This EN Standard relates to trousers and coveralls which offer kneepad pockets to protect the wearer when kneeling. For further information see BS EN 14404 Standard.
This EN Standard specifies the requirements and test methods for materials and the seams of protective clothing that has been designed to give protection against rain, snow, mist and ground moisture. For further information see BS EN 343 Standard.
Specifies requirements and test methods applicable to materials and garments for protective clothing worn by electrical workers to protect them against the thermal hazards of electric Arc. For further information see IEC 61482-2 Standard.
The high visibility standard that applies to the rail industry in the UK and ensures rail workers on or near the trackside are sufficiently visible to trains or other traffic approaching at speed. For further information see RIS-3279-TOM Standard.
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.
Thorne & Derrick International supply arc flash clothing and protection equipment including coveralls, gloves, helmets, face shields and general head-to-toe PPE is used to protect against flashover – complete range of insulating matting is also available for worker protection when exposed to energised electrical switchgear and transformers.
Typical applications include LV, HV & EHV cable jointing and terminating, fuse pulling, switchgear commissioning, racking circuit breakers, electrical switching and live working on medium and high voltage electricity networks.
T&D are national distributors LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable cleating, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
Arc Flash Clothing, PPE & Flash Protection Kits
In a world awash with baffling technical speak, we cut through the jargon to explain the difference between treated and inherent flame resistance and the considerations when weighing up which to buy when evaluating competing garments to protect against arc flash dangers.
The Big PPE Fabric Debate
If you’ve been browsing PPE catalogues searching for arc flash and flame-resistant (FR) workwear, you have probably noticed there are many ways to describe the nature of the fabrics the garments are made from.
The two main phrases used in descriptions of arc flash clothing are inherent fabrics and treated fabrics. So, what’s the difference? And why does it matter?
VXS Inherent Fabric | Arc Flash Clothing Fabric
A fabric described as treated will be made from fibres which aren’t flame retardant by their nature, but have either had a chemical applied, or have been through a chemical process, to make them fire resistant by creating a chemical reaction when set alight which then extinguishes the flame.
Protecting Utility Workers Carrying Out Maintenance, Repair & Operations on Overhead Lines & Underground Cables
If a fabric is inherently flame-resistant (also known as inherently fire-retardant), its ability to protect you from heat and flames comes from the polymer fibres of the fabric which, at normal oxygen levels, don’t ignite.
Pros & Cons of Inherent & Flame-Resistant Fabrics
Most of our ProGARM range of PPE is made using inherent fabrics because this makes it impossible for the flame resistance to degrade over time or be washed out altogether. These garments also don’t shrink when exposed to heat, helping to maintain critical air layers between the fabrics.
The advantage of treated fabrics is that they’re cheaper. However, this passes considerable responsibility to the employer to devise a system for wearers to monitor their garment’s wear and record its laundry cycles so the company knows when to replace the item due to degradation of the protective treatment.
By manufacturing all ProGARM garments with our unique VXS+ inherent fabrics, we ensure they deliver durability, consistent protection and outstanding comfort.
In the past, many Flame Resistant Garments have suffered from reduced protection over time. Through normal washing, treated fibres gradually lose their Flame Resistant properties. With that decreasing level of protection your team members will be at greater risk of injury.
Treating fabrics can also leave them stiff and uncomfortable. Worryingly we hear of operatives deciding to wash treated garments multiple times to make them more comfortable before wearing them. Alternatively, they choose to keep wearing their older garments which have become more comfortable over time. Both of these practices leave your team exposed to a greater risk of injury.
Electrical Safety & Arc Flash PPE
ProGARM ensures this isn’t the case with our unique 100% inherent VXS+ fabrics that offer superb protection for your team, as well as being durable and comfortable to wear.
VXS+ fabrics are manufactured with a combination of yarns which makes the garment inherently Flame Resistant. Compare VXS+ Fabrics with alternative fabrics and the differences are clear. As well as being 100% inherent, VXS+ fabrics make some of the most comfortable Arc Flash protective garments on the market. Through combining yarns in the manufacturing process, we can deliver fabrics that are flexible and comfortable, and from that create garments that are “as comfortable as pyjamas”.
As well as the ultimate protection, you also need garments that are durable. ProGARM garments are have been shown to last up to 70% longer than comparable garments used by our customers. Some non-ProGARM garments can also suffer from shrinkage and their colour fastness isn’t as resilient as it should be, resulting in faded high visibility workwear. VXS+ fabrics have been tested through more than 50 industrial washes to ensure the longevity of the garments. (The European standard only requires demonstrating colour fastness through 5 wash cycles.)
When you equip your team with ProGARM Arc Flash and Flame Resistant garments made from VXS+ Fabrics, you can be assured of durable protection and comfort that delivers protection throughout the life of the garment. That’s why every ProGARM garment is manufactured using VXS+ 100% inherent fabrics to offer the ultimate protection.
In developing our products, we’ve researched what’s important to our customers and fully appreciate that the decision between buying inherent or treated arc flash PPE isn’t an easy one when working with budget constraints and trying to keep their workforce safe.
That’s why we’ve been researching and developing treated garments. This gives you a choice without quite such a dilemma about the degree of safety compromise when making price-based decisions.
Our new coverall (available in four colour options) has been designed in a way that offers the cost saving advantages of being made from treated fabric, while also being robust enough to withstand up to 100 washes – lasting much longer than many competitor products, which are only tested up to 50 washes.
When it comes down to it, it doesn’t matter whether the fire protection in the fabric is inherent or added afterwards with chemicals. What you should make your decision based on is proof of standards.
We’re proud that all of our PPE clothing (not just our fabrics) meet EU Conformité Européenne (CE) standards and the new United Kingdom Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark.
Our arc flash garments also hold EN certifications relevant to their intended purpose and/or industry. For example, all our garments conform to a minimum EN ISO 6330: 2012 DOMESTIC for washing, and some go further to meet the industrial washing standard (EN ISO15797: 2004 Industrial).
We go a step further too. Having achieved ISO9001 (Quality Management) and added Article 11B[KC3], all our supply chain partners meet the same standards. For us, there are no compromises on quality.
As well as electrical safety considerations, when developing our garments and fabrics, we always research what’s important to our customers. This helps us maintain our reputation for the best safety, quality and comfort standards.
Our independent testing looks at fading and shrinkage, as well as comfort of electrical PPE. And all our buttons, zips and press studs are made from the same military-grade plastics as NASA uses, so that they won’t melt and will still work if exposed to heat, flames or a high-voltage electric charge.
These decisions result in pioneering safety standards and mean that, when a casualty needs urgent medical attention following an incident, you will be able to unfasten and remove the clothing far more easily.
You’ll find a label on each of our electrical safety workwear products, outlining which European and UKCA certifications it meets[KC5] [LT6], along with garment care guidelines.
If you would like a chat with one of our arc flash experts to discuss your PPE requirements, give us a call on +44 (0)191 410 4292.
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.
HSG47 | Avoiding Danger From Underground ServicesA Document from Health & Safety Executive
HSE Health & Safety Executive issued the 3rd edition of their guidelines ‘HSG47 Avoiding Danger from Underground Services’ in 2014. Whilst the basic requirements are still the same, this third edition published in February 2014 brings the guidance up to date from the previously published version 14 years previously in 2000.
The document is freely available from the internet by searching on HSG47 2014. Recommendations regarding Protective Clothing against the hazards of Arc Flash Incidents can be found on Page 26 and two extracts are as follows:
“..clothing made from man-made fibres such as nylon may melt and stick to the skin, increasing the severity of the burns.”
“Advice on the suitability and performance of protective clothing should be available from reputable companies specialising in its supply.”
This guidance is aimed at all those involved in commissioning, planning, managing and carrying out work on or near underground services. It will also be of use to the owners and operators of such services.
It outlines the potential dangers of working near underground services and gives advice on how to reduce any direct risks to people’s health and safety, as well as the indirect risks arising through damage to services.
It explains the three basic elements of a safe system of work during excavation:
This third edition of HSG47 brings the guidance up to date, but the basic requirements remain the same.
(N.B. Extract taken from Page 1 of the document)
Many garments within the ProGARM product range are now certificated to IEC61482 the European Standard for Arc Flash protective clothing and can offer the protection required for your workforce. Garments are tested to either the European Box test method or the US ATPV test method with some garments, including coveralls, offering certification to both test methods.
➡ See also the range of Electrical Safety Equipment
Arc Flash Risks During Construction Groundworks
HSG47 is the Health & Safety Executive’s issued guidance aimed at all those involved in commissioning, planning, managing and carrying out work on or near underground services.
It’s comprehensive in covering the three basic elements of safe systems of work through planning, locating & identifying buried services and safe excavation.
Coveralls | Switching Suits | Polo Shirts | Helmets | Gloves | Garments
The most recent third edition, released in 2014, brought guidance up to date, but still outlines the same potential dangers as those flagged in the first release in 1989.
Yet ProGARM’s Arc Flash Survey in 2017 revealed a staggering 78% of respondents were still unaware of what the guidance included when it came to reducing the risks of Arc Flash incidents.
For three whole years of London’s Crossrail project, eight tunnelling machines were working to create the 42 km of new train tunnels.
We can only imagine the extensive degree of research and planning that must have gone into the location and re-siting of London’s complex array of underground services during this phase of the works to avoid such incidents.
But for every high-profile, major infrastructure project like this, with specialist civil engineers working to incredibly precise risk assessments and method statements, there will be hundreds more smaller scale projects taking place where work is not being carried out with the same levels of awareness, diligence or training.
At ProGARM, we may provide a last line of defence against an Arc Flash in the form of specialist PPE, but there’s no substitute for awareness and proactive steps to minimise the risks of them occurring in the first place.
➡ Thorne & Derrick | Specialist Distributors & Stockists of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment to the Rail industry.
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.
ProGARM’s Mission is to Lead with Innovation
Introducing the new addition to the ProGARM range of Arc Flash Clothing, lightweight and most comfortable high vis orange coveralls – standard style – ProGARM 4693, also available in ladies’ fit style – ProGARM 4694.
These arc flash coveralls feature the newest lightweight 240gms fabric, extremely breathable, designed with intention of achieving lightest and most breathable results.
Features & Benefits of Arc Flash Overalls
RIS-3279-TOM Tested Arc Flash Coveralls (Hi-Vis Orange) | ProGARM 4693
ProGARM for the Rail Industry | RIS-3279-TOM
RIS-3279-TOM (formerly known as 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.
High visibility clothing is the fundamental principle behind the UK Rail Industry Standard. This is based on the European Norm EN 20471:2013, and garments must comply to Class 2 High Visibility, the middle of a three class range. The standard states the following: ‘high visibility clothing worn by people on the lineside or on or near the line should conform to a single standard for the colour and luminance of background material and that this standard will accord with the detail contained within BS EN 20471:2013 high visibility clothing – Test methods and requirements (ISO 20471:2013).’
It is stated in the standard that: ‘the colour specific requirements within this standard conform to the range specified within BS EN 20471 clause 5.1.2.’ In order to confine this to a specific orange colour, and to prevent the selection of a colour at the red end of the spectrum, the precise chromaticity co-ordinates for the colour are specified as: Fluorescent orange, X:0.588, Y:0.371. with a luminance factor of at least 0.4. The accepted tolerance in colour is as laid out in EN 20471. However, there is no tolerance for the luminance factor.
Also stipulated in RIS-3279-TOM is the need of retro-reflective materials, with photometric and physical performance aligned with EN 20471.
Mentioned in RIS-3279-TOM is the accepted use of a mini vest where the nature of the work being carried out will not obscure the high visibility clothing, and thus reduce the surface area’ that is visible. The same applies to company logos; these are permitted where they do not compromise the surface area of background colour, and compensation may have to be made for this.
Arc Flash Coveralls, from the ProGARM range of Arc Rated garments and clothing are used to protect against arc flash accidents as the last line of defence. Arc Flash PPE will not prevent incidents, and it is therefore vital that a comprehensive electrical safety plan for maintenance, repair and diagnostic procedures (involving energised LV, MV or HV electrical equipment) is also implemented.
Thorne & Derrick distribute a range of arc flash coveralls to suit a range of requirements. Variations include ladies coveralls, designs for overhead linesmen, orange and yellow hi vis options and a wide range of sizes. Contact Thorne & Derrick with your specific PPE requirements and we will be happy to help.
The ProGARM range of Flame Resistant protective garments are designed for every-day wear and protection – the highly breathable clothing ranges are designed for comfort and safety without compromising the ability of the wearer to work productively, safely and unhampered by cumbersome garments prone to overheating.
Other garments and protection products include Arc Flash Gloves, Arc Clothing, Arc Flash Suits and Arc Flash Helmets & Visors.
💡 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.
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.
PFISTERER Connex | Stocked & Distributed in the UK by Thorne & Derrick
The following guide is designed to help with the specification of PFISTERER CONNEX Separable Connectors size 0 – 3/3-S. You can access the form using the link below.
Thorne & Derrick provide competitive prices and fast delivery from stock for the complete range of LV MV HV Power Products manufactured by Pfisterer – this includes Pfisterer CONNEX MV HV cable plugs and terminations.
The application, cable and MV-CONNEX Separable Connector need to be matched.
Only adapted connectors can achieve the required reliability in the grid.
For cables according to DIN VDE standard, a simplified selection process is possible.
See the beginning of “Section B”.
For cables that have not been produced to comply with DIN VDE, a product configurator is used to determine an individual article number for the required MV-CONNEX Separable Connectors size 0-3/3-S. In order to be able to define the article number, the Specification Form for MV-CONNEX Separable Connectors must be completely filled-in by the project specialists of the customer.
The individual article number consists of a 9-digit number plus an optional variant code. This article number contains all parts for connecting and earthing the individual cable. This article number is marked as Set – which means 3 pieces of the same connector.
Please find instructions below, which will help to correctly fill in the CONNEX Specification form.
The parameters needed can be separated into two groups:
A. Application specific parameters
B. Cable specific parameters
Please complete section ‘A’ and ‘B’.
The cable connector and the socket have to be the same size. The electrical parameters and dimensional measures are defined in the standards EN 50180 and EN 50181.
The following details might help you:
It is important to know the size of the socket of which is installed in the switchgear or the transformer.
Depending on the application some special materials and/or additional components are needed.
For application “offshore” or for application “soil-resistant”, special material for housing and sealing is provided.
The section”offshore” should also be ticked if the application is in a coastal area where there is a saline/corrosive atmosphere. Soil-resistant is used if the cable connector itself is underground.
The standard ambient temperature range is from +50ºC down to -25ºC. For applications where the ambient temperature goes down to -45ºC a special low temperature grease is needed. The temperature directly around the Separable Cable Connector is relevant.
Please note that for indoor application the decisive factor is the ambient temperature inside the building.
Only for single sockets installed from inside of the equipment (not relevant for transformer elbow bushing or cast resin joints).
If the application is “outdor” and if the socket entry is from the top, an additional sealing system has to be applied. This is needed to prevent rain/water from entering the connector.
Therefore, please indicate if the position of installation is “top entry” or “other” (not top entry).
The voltage tap serves as an interface for a continuous voltage indicator system (DSA-LRM, DSA-2, DSA-i3). This is used to ensure the absence of voltage in the cable system before working on the cable system. For the indication of voltage, a separate product is needed (not in the scope of supply of the connector). To connect this voltage indicator system, the voltage tap (additional components) has to be included in the connector kit. Please indicate “yes” if needed.
standard is “no”
For cables according to DIN VDE standard, a simplified process is possible. To select the connector, only “cable type”, “cross section”, “voltage level” and “section A” are required.
The simplified process is valid for the following cable types:
| N2XS2Y RM | N2XS(F)2Y RM | N2XS(FL)2Y RM |
| NA2XS2Y RM | NA2XS(F)2Y RM | NA2XS(FL)2y RM |
In case of non-DIN VE cables, please indicate all the cable parameters.
Single core cable or three core cable.
A three core cable only has to be indicated if the accessories for cable break out have to be included in the cable kit. If those accessories are not needed as they are e.g. already supplied in scope of project, single core cable can be selected (please indicate cable screen and armouring only for the single core cable).
Voltage level of the cable
U⁰ = phase to earth voltage
Uⁿ = nominal voltage; phase to phase voltage
Uᵐ max. operating voltage (2 x U⁰)
Common voltage levels as reference:
| U⁰ (kV) | Uⁿ (kV) | Uᵐ (kV) |
| 3,6 | 6 | 7,2 |
| 3,8 | 6,6 | 7,2 |
| 6 | 10 | 12 |
| 6,6 | 11 | 12 |
| 8,7 | 15 | 17,5 |
| 12 | 20 | 24 |
| 12,7 | 22 | 24 |
| 15 | 20 | 24 |
| 15 | 25 | 30 |
| 18 | 30 | 36 |
| 19 | 33 | 36 |
| 20,8 | 36 | 42 |
| 26 | 42 | 52 |
Cross Section is only a reference value and does not influence component selection.
The contact system consists of several components. The components are selected according to the conductor type and the diameter of the conductor. The diameter of the bare conductor is relevant (without semi-con conductor screen).
The components have a designed working tolerance in which the can be used. During cable preparation and connector assembly, the conductor diameter has to be within this tolerance, for the contact system components to fit properly.
Conductor types (IEC 60228):
RM: stranded circular (class 2)
SM: stranded sector
RE: solid circular (class 1)
SE: solid sector
RF: super-flexible stranded (class 5+6)
The standard is RM stranded circular (class 2).
The insulation diameter defines the correct insulating part of the connector. The diameter of the bare insulation (without semi-con insulation screen) is required.
The insulating parts have a designed working tolerance in which they can be used. During cable preparation and connector assembly the insulation diameter has to be within this tolerance, for the insulating part to fit properly.
Depending on the semi-conductive screen type and layer thickness, a special assembly method with special components is used.
The standard is fully bonded, thickness ≤ 1mm.
Depending on the cable deign the cable core could have one or more metallic layers. If these metallic layers are indicated on the specification form (Cable screen, 1st and 2nd armoring) corresponding accessories to connect and to ground these layers are supplied.
Diameter values are over each metallic layer.
The standard is: cable screen = Cu wire screen, without 1st and without 2nd armouring.
If your cable had another special cable screen, please indicate this on the form, e.g. fibre optics or up to 3 separate earthing leads (3 core cables).
Diameter of the complete cable. For cables with very big or very small diameters, a special assembly method with special components is applied.
The Pfisterer corporate group has been dealing with the interfaces in the flow of electricity ever since it was founded back in 1921.
As a specialist in energy transmission and distribution, Pfisterer offer our customers and business partners a range of sophisticated, future-ready products: For all voltage ranges and wherever reliable, long-lasting systems are needed for powerful energy grids.
As well as the energy sector, they are also active in transport technology and industrial solutions.
LV MV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt
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
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