Arc Flash Protection

Arc Flash Protection | A Whitepaper on Clothing & Garment Selection

Helping educate companies and raise awareness amongst operatives about what garments to wear and how to wear them, when at risk of an ARC FLASH

• Author: Hamilton Smith Technical Sales Manager 2020

What is an arc flash / electric arc?

Definition: An arc flash is the light and heat produced as part of an arc fault; a type of electrical explosion or discharge that results from a low impedance connection through air to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system.

… and in laymans’ terms

• An arc flash occurs when electrical current jumps across an air gap between conductors, like when lightening jumps down to earth
• That large instantaneous discharge of electrical current causes an explosion

– Extremely high levels of energy, heat and light are released in fractions of seconds

– Temperatures can reach up to 35,000ºF (19,000ºC) = 4 times the temperature of the Sun’s surface!

– A blast and pressure wave that can damage eardrums and even strip away garments

➡ Ultra Slow Motion Arc Flash 480V

Where & when does an arc flash occur?

Where?

• Industrial electrical environments – Factories, manufacturing plants, electrical maintenance even including areas such as electric vehicle maintenance and manufacture
• Power generation -Traditional environments but also including renewables such as wind turbine maintenance
• Utilities – Anyone breaking ground in electrical, gas and water, even operatives installing street lights
• Rail sector – Electrification and maintenance
• Petrochemicals – Protecting plant workers and even tanker drivers in the same way as for arc flash against flash fire

When?

• Whilst undertaking installation, maintenance or repairs, but also when breaking ground, undertaking excavations and construction

Why does an arc flash occur?

• Tools or equipment inadvertently touch live conductors or are dropped
• Faults or mistakes in isolating equipment
• Equipment failure due to faulty parts, poor installation, or even normal wear + tear
• Dust, corrosion or other impurities on conductor surfaces
• Cable strikes when breaking ground 8 to 10 cable strikes are reported daily in the UK

Arc flash vs Operative … only one winner!

• Skin burns right to 3 rd degree from direct heat exposure
• Damage to eyesight caused by heat and the high intensity flash which includes UV light
• Hearing loss and physical damage as the blast can greatly exceed the sound of a jet engine
• Significant injury risks from flying debris such as equipment, shrapnel wounds and molten metal
• Loss of memory or permanent impairment of brain function from concussion
• Burns from hot liquids in oil cooled or insulated equipment
• Other physical injuries from being blown off ladders, into walls etc

It’s no exaggeration when we say the implications and injuries can be life threatening, they’re certainly life changing.

Employee protection what can be done?

Employers have a duty to protect their employees against injury and other hazards.

There is a hierarchy of steps to safeguard workers:

1. Reduce the exposure of operatives to risk
2. Define and enforce safe working practices to reduce risk – they can undertake an AF study
3. Provide appropriate level sot PPE – AF assessments or studies can help to predict potential exposure and suggest the level of protection.

PPE is designed to reduce the risk of life changing or life threatening 2nd or 3rd degree burns. Arc flash clothing and PPE is the last line of defence when risks cannot be totally eliminated.

Arc Flash Protection standards

IEC 61482 2 : 2018 Protective Clothing Against the Thermal Hazards of Electric Arc

Arc flash testing information – there are two test methods:
BS EN IEC 61482-1 1:2019 | Method 1: Determination of the arc rating (ELIM, ATPV and/or EBT) of clothing materials and of protective clothing using an open arc (Open Arc Test).

• ATPV = Arc Thermal Performance Value
  the value of incident energy at which the heat transfer through the test specimen is enough to reach the Stoll criteria with 50% probability of 2nd degree burn e.g. if a product that achieves 8cal/cm² ATPV, is hit with 8cal arc exposure then there is 50% probability of 2nd degree burns.
• EBT = Breakopen Threshold Energy
  the value of incident energy at which breakopen occurs with 50% probability of 2nd degree burn e.g. a product that achieves 8cal/cm² EBT, if hit with 8cal arc exposure then there is 50% probability of 2nd degree burn and with breakopen of material.
• ELIM = Incident Energy Limit
  a numerical value of incident energy attributed to a product, below which there is no data point with the amount of heat transmitted through the product reaching the Stoll criteria or with the product exhibiting breakopen e.g. a product that achieves 8cal/cm² ELIM, if hit with 8cal arc exposure then there is 0% probability of 2nd degree burn.

IEC 61482 2 : 2018 Protective Clothing Against the Thermal Hazards of Electric Arc

Arc flash testing information – there are two test methods:
BS EN 61482-1 2:2014 | Method 2: Determination of arc protection class of material and clothing by using a constrained and directed arc (Box Test)

• APC 1 (Class 1):
  • test current 4kA (+/-5%)
  – voltage 400 volts a.c. (+/-5%)
  – arc duration 500 ms (+/-5%)
  – frequency either 50hz (+/- 0.1hz) or 60hz (+/- 0.12hz)
• APC 2 (Class 2):
  – test current 7kA (+/-5%)
  – voltage 400 volts a.c. (+/-5%)
  – arc duration 500 ms (+/-5%)
  – frequency either 50hz (+/ 0.1hz) or 60hz (+/ 0.12hz)

Fibres, Fabrics & Creating Protective Garments

Arc Flash Lineman Coverall ProGARM 6458

Treated vs Inherent

• At ProGARM we believe fundamentally that inherent FR fabrics offer the best solution
• Traditionally treated fabrics have been stiff, uncomfortable, lacked breathability and even smelly!
• Protection from treatments reduces every time a garment is washed
• Inherent means that characteristically the fibre will not burn – Inherent fibres create inherent yarns which are knitted or woven into inherent fabrics instant extinguishing

Our fabrics are called VXS+.

Arc Flash Clothing systems

Examples of garments that are often combined into a PPE system

Protection in layers where 1 + 1 = 3

ProGARM 5280 Polo Shirt & ProGARM 5630 Sweatshirt

Make sure they are the right layers though

• We’ve developed a total range of garments from underwear and thermal base layers to 47cal waterproofs
• Many H&S Managers and operatives are not aware that wearing the wrong fabrics, even under AF protective garments, can compromise the AF garments and result in injury

What makes a great garment?

Let’s take a look at some of the features that protect and save lives.

Arc flash garment features to be aware of:

Take a look at the garment design features that show the attention to detail.

• Triple stitched seams
• Inherent fabric & instant extinguishing
• FR threads
• ThermSAFE components tested to continue to function after an incident
• Wrist tabs and neck fastening
• Reflective tape
• SafetyICON marking
• Internal labelling inc batch numbers for traceability
• Stretch panels
• Napoleon pockets for harnesses
• Garments available from S to 4XL
• Women’s garments

Let’s sum up

Education is one of our core missions – we’re here to help.

ProGARM’s Mission

• Educate and inform to save lives
• Constantly develop and innovate
• Deliver an exceptional customer experience
• Never compromise. Lives depend on it

We’re here to help you find the right solution for your operatives who are at risk of an electric arc to make sure they come home safely.

Polo Shirts | Jackets | Coveralls | Trousers | Gloves | Sweatshirts | Helmets

Overview of Arc Flash Clothing | Contact us to discuss your garment and PPE requirements, we can mitigate risk with guidance on safe working practices and by providing appropriate worker clothing that offers advanced Arc Flash Protection that saves lives every day. Whether working on underground cables or overhead lines, here is a selection of workwear clothing – contact us to discuss your requirements;

ProGARM 4690 Coverall	ProGARM 4616 Trouser	ProGARM 5816 Trouser	ProGARM 7638 Trouser	ProGARM 6458 Coverall
ProGARM 7418 Trouser	ProGARM 7480 Coverall	ProGARM 5290 Polo Shirt	ProGARM 6444 Coverall	ProGARM 5286 Polo Shirt

>> Download Your Guide To Here <<

Further Reading

• Arc Flash Clothing – PPE To Protect Highways, Street Lighting & Utility Contractors
• Arc Gloves | New Arc Flash Dexterity Gloves from Protection Specialists ProGARM
• New Arc Flash Coveralls from Protection Specialists ProGARM
• Latest Arc Flash Legislation & Regulation Explained By ProGarm
• Arc Flash PPE | 7 Top Considerations

THORNE & DERRICK

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:

• 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

HV Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors | Approved Stockists & Distributors | 3M Electrical (Cold Shrink) | Nexans (Euromold JTS MONO) | Pfisterer (CONNEX SEANEX) | 11kV 33kV 66kV Medium & High Voltage Cable Accessories

NEW | Arc Flash Hoods From Protection Specialists ProGARM

Arc Flash Hoods, Coveralls & Gloves

ProGARM delivers ultimate Arc Flash clothing and protection, including Arc Flash Coveralls, and Arc flash Hoods conforming with the relevant industry and EN standards ensuring protection from Arc Flash incidents.

Specialists in Arc Flash Protection 

Product Launch: 9700 ARC FLASH HOOD

Arc Flash Hood: Product Launch From ProGARM

Thorne & Derrick are delighted to announce the launch of a brand new 47 cal/cm² Arc 4 Hood, manufactured by ProGARM, helping us to provide even more clothing solutions to reduce the risk of injury during an Arc Flash incident.

Due to the high risks involved when working in electrically high areas, the importance of adequate protection levels is vital in providing a suitable last line of defence.

The 9700 Arc Flash Hood is designed for use in close proximity to live electricity. This hood contains an anti-fog coated, transparent grey visor to keep vision as clear as possible when being worn. With a high quality and ultralight helmet, comfort is increased along with practicality; with seamless hood integration as well as a unique Velcro® brand fastener system for simple assembly and deconstruction.

The Arc Flash Rated Hood is designed to be used alongside your existing clothing systems to provide specialist protection when working with high incident energy levels.

Made from VXS+ inherent fabric, this Arc Flash Hood won’t lose it’s protective qualities, no matter how much you wash it.

ARC FLASH HOOD 9700 PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

WHAT IS AN ARC FLASH?

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

Arc Flash Learning & Resources

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 4690 Coverall	ProGARM 4616 Trouser	ProGARM 5816 Trouser	ProGARM 7638 Trouser	ProGARM 6458 Coverall
ProGARM 7418 Trouser	ProGARM 7480 Coverall	ProGARM 5290 Polo Shirt	ProGARM 6444 Coverall	ProGARM 5286 Polo Shirt

Download Your Guide To Arc Flash Here

Thorne & Derrick

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:

• 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

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 

Latest Arc Flash Legislation & Regulation Explained By ProGarm

ProGarm

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

IEC 61482-2

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

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

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.

BS EN ISO 20471

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

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.

BS EN ISO 11612

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.

BS EN 13034

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

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.

BS EN 343

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.

Further Reading

• Electrical Safety – Arc Flash Accidents & Electrocution In LV-HV Installations 
• Arc Flash Calculation – Selecting Clothing & PPE To Protect Lives Against Arc Hazard
• Arc Flash PPE | 7 Top Considerations

Arc Flash Learning & Resources

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 4690 Coverall	ProGARM 4616 Trouser	ProGARM 5816 Trouser	ProGARM 7638 Trouser	ProGARM 6458 Coverall
ProGARM 7418 Trouser	ProGARM 7480 Coverall	ProGARM 5290 Polo Shirt	ProGARM 6444 Coverall	ProGARM 5286 Polo Shirt

Download Your Guide To Arc Flash Here

THORNE & DERRICK

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:

• 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

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 

Arc Flash PPE | 7 Top Considerations

• uploaded by Chris Dodds | Thorne & Derrick Sales Marketing Manager
  

The WRONG ARC FLASH PPE CAN COMPROMISE YOUR TEAM’S SAFETY

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.

LAYERING

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.

ARC FLash PPE

Flame retardant VS. ARC FLASH CLOTHING

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.

INHERENT VS. TREATED FABRIC

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 our Arc Flash PPE Considerations Guide

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

WHAT IS AN ARC FLASH?

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

Arc Flash Learning & Resources

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 4690 Coverall	ProGARM 4616 Trouser	ProGARM 5816 Trouser	ProGARM 7638 Trouser	ProGARM 6458 Coverall
ProGARM 7418 Trouser	ProGARM 7480 Coverall	ProGARM 5290 Polo Shirt	ProGARM 6444 Coverall	ProGARM 5286 Polo Shirt

Download Your Guide To Arc Flash Here

Thorne & Derrick

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:

• 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

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 

IEC 61482-2 2018 – Get Up To Speed With The New Arc Flash Standard

Arc Flash Protection

IEC 61482-2:2018

Article Courtesy of ProGARM Arc Flash Protection & Clothing 

A new test standard for arc flash protection – IEC 61482-1-1:2018 – was introduced in May 2019, which means arc flash protective garments certified after May 2019 have to be tested under these new, more stringent conditions under the PPE regulation.

This is a result of the updates to the Arc Flash standard for garments, IEC 61482-2:2018, which was released in 2018.

This standard is significantly different to FR standard EN ISO 11612. It includes more rigorous and different requirements, and is the standard for garments to protect those at risk of Arc Flash. The latest update to the standard was in 2018 and contained a couple of important changes to the test methods with regards to the performance ratings of garments.

The new test results in a new way of rating arc flash clothing, ELIM (Energy Incident Limit), which will be used as a further arc rating performance property value and as a more stringent performance indicator of both fabric and garments.

♦ IEC 61482-1-1:2019 Live Working – Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc – Part 1-1: Test methods – Method 1: Determination of the arc rating (ELIM, ATPV and/or EBT) of clothing materials and of protective clothing using an open arc.

ProGARM | Functional Arc Flash Clothing, Protection & PPE For Everyday Wear

As a result of this ProGARM have written a short guide to the new IEC 61482-2:2018 standard to highlight the key bits of information you need to be aware of when reviewing your PPE specification and the key terminology that you need to understand.

Choosing the right PPE for your team can be difficult and with all the standards to consider it can feel quite overwhelming. This guide aims to help people make a more informed decision about what PPE is best for you.

You can download the PDF guide via this link or see the attached pdf below.

Arc Flash Clothing | Polo Shirts | Jackets | Coveralls | Trousers | Sweatshirts | Helmets

With the recent changes to the IEC 61482-2 standard, ProGARM outline the key changes and unpack the details to help you understand the important information that impacts you.

SCOPE

Learn about what this standard covers and why it’s important to have an understanding of it when working with or near live electricity.

TEST METHODS

Understand the two test methods used within this standard and how they contribute to providing calorific and class values to identify the level of protection different products provide.

CALORIFIC VALUES EXPLAINED

ATPV, EBT50, ELIM. What’s the difference?

We explain the differences between each calorific value, how they are calculated and what to look for when specifying PPE for your team.

PROGARM, THE ARC FLASH SPECIALISTS

ProGARM are a the leading UK manufacturer of high quality Flame Resistant & Arc Flash Clothing, garments and workwear – they work successfully with their UK Distributor Thorne & Derrick to save lives and reduce accidents.

Thorne & 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.

Further Reading

• Arc Flash Clothing – PPE To Protect Highways, Street Lighting & Utility Contractors
• Arc Gloves | New Arc Flash Dexterity Gloves from Protection Specialists ProGARM
• New Arc Flash Coveralls from Protection Specialists ProGARM

THORNE & DERRICK

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:

• 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

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 

Arc Flash Learning & Resources

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 4690 Coverall	ProGARM 4616 Trouser	ProGARM 5816 Trouser	ProGARM 7638 Trouser	ProGARM 6458 Coverall
ProGARM 7418 Trouser	ProGARM 7480 Coverall	ProGARM 5290 Polo Shirt	ProGARM 6444 Coverall	ProGARM 5286 Polo Shirt

Download Your Guide To Arc Flash Here