Arc Flash Protection
Arc Flash The Basics
January 22nd, 2020-
By Cameron G. Clark: GE Specification Engineer. Contributed by GE Industrial Solutions
Do you know what an arc flash is?
If not, keep reading.
The goal of this article is to give the reader a basic understanding of what occurs during an arc flash incident, and an understanding of some of the terms used in qualifying the danger associated with such events.
What is an Arc?
Most of us are familiar with an arc. The dictionary describes an electric arc flash as “a luminous bridge formed in a gap between two electrodes”.
An Arc Flash occurs during a fault, or short circuit condition, which passes through this arc gap. The Arc Flash can be initiated through accidental contact, equipment which is underrated for the available short circuit current, contamination or tracking over insulated surfaces, deterioration or corrosion of equipment and, or parts, as well as other causes.
An Arc Flash event can expel large amounts of deadly energy.
The arc causes an ionization of the air, and arc flash temperatures can reach as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hotter than the surface of the sun.
This kind of temperature can set fire to clothing and severely burn human skin in fractions of a second at a significant distance from the event. The heat can also result in ignition of any nearby combustible materials.
Arc Flash temperatures can also liquefy or vaporize metal parts in the vicinity of the event such as copper, aluminum conductors or steel equipment parts. This material rapidly expands in volume as it changes state from a solid to vapor, resulting in explosive pressure and sound waves. The pressure wave can knock workers off balance or off ladders and even throw them across the room against walls or other equipment.
The sound blast can cause eardrums to rupture resulting in temporary or permanent hearing loss. Molten metal can be sprayed by the blast throughout the vicinity. Solid metal debris and other loose objects, such as tools, can be turned into deadly projectiles by the explosion. The bright flash from the event can result in temporary or permanent blindness.
All of these will most likely result in equipment damage as well as personnel injury, and possibly death.
“An Arc Flash event can expel large amounts of deadly energy. The arc causes an ionization of the air, and arc flash temperatures can reach as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hotter than the surface of the sun”
Code Description
Section 110.16 of the 2008 National Electrical Code requires that electrical equipment be marked to warn qualified personnel of potential arc flash hazards. In order to accurately evaluate the dangers associated with arc flash we must quantify the hazard. The measure, which has been developed to assess arc flash events, is incident energy. This is the energy measured on a surface at a specified working distance from the arc flash location.
For low voltage equipment this is 24 inches, and approximately corresponds to the arm length of a typical worker. The unit used to quantify this energy is cal/cm2. A value of 1.2 cal/cm2 results in 2nd degree burns to bare skin, and 8 cal/cm2 in 3rd degree burns. The incident energy is inversely proportional to the square of the working distance, and directly proportional to the available fault current and duration of an arc flash event.
Some of the other factors which affect incident energy of an arc flash event are the short circuit current available, both from the utility and at specific bus locations in the distribution system, cable size and length, the type of over current protective devices, and the settings of those over current protective devices. The device settings directly influence the duration of thefault for a given value of arc fault current. For this reason there is interest by many, these days, in a temporary second group of setting which reduce the time a breaker takes to clear a fault when a person is working on energized equipment. This can often reduce the hazard significantly. General Electric offers this capability in the Reduced Energy Let Through mode (RELT) of the Entelliguard® TU trip unit.
“Those involved with the design, implantation and evaluation of electrical distribution systems mush have an understanding of arc flash hazards and how to evaluate the hazards as well as minimize or mitigate the hazard to the electrical worker.”
Arc Flash Studies
In order to identify the specific arc flash hazard at a given piece of equipment within a facility, an arc flash study must be performed. There are several software packages available, similarly to short circuit study and coordination study software packages, to facilitate this analysis by a qualified professional electrical engineer. In order to perform the arc flash study a short circuit and coordination study must first be performed or the results of these studies must be available to the engineer performing the arc flash study.
The result of the arc flash study will categorize the hazard at specific equipment based on the incident energy, as well as identify the Arc Flash Protection Boundary (this is the closest approach allowed before PPE must be worn). Inside the Arc Flash Protection Boundary a worker must be wearing the proper clothing, or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The main objective of the PPE is to limit the burns to the body resulting from an arc flash event, to a survivable level. (i.e .2nd degree or less).
“Those involved with the design, implantation and evaluation of electrical distribution systems must have an understanding of arc flash hazards and how to evaluate the hazards as well as minimize or mitigate the hazard to the electrical worker.”
Hazard Risk Categories as outlined in NFPA 70E are as follows:
| Hazard Risk Category | Clothing | Cal/cm² |
| 0 | Non-melting, flammable materials (ie untreated cotton, wool, rayon, or silk, or blends of these materials with a fabric weight of at least 4.5oz/yd² | N/A |
| 1 | FR shirt and FR pants of FR coverall | 4 Cal |
| 2 | Cotton underwear – conventional short sleeve and brief/shorts , plus FR shirt and FR pants | 8 Cal |
| 3 | Cotton underwear plus FR shirt and FR pants plus FR coverall, or cotton underwear plus two FR coveralls | 25 Cal |
| 4 | Cotton underwear plus FR shirt and FR pants plus multilayer flash suit | 40 Cal |
| Extreme Danger | No PPE available | >40 |
Arc flash gloves, arc flash boots and arc flash face protection appropriate to the hazard risk category must be used as well.
Arc Flash Hazard is a subject that is undergoing increased discussion and scrutiny in today’s safety conscious environment. The intent of the standards in this area is to provide an increased level of safety for the electrical worker.
Those involved in the design, implantation and evaluation of electrical distribution systems must have an understanding of Arc Flash Hazards and how to evaluate the hazards as well as minimize or mitigate the hazard to the electrical worker.
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 Clothing | Polo Shirts | Jackets | Coveralls | Trousers | Sweatshirts | Helmets
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.
5 Arc Flash Risks for Solar Industry Personnel
January 15th, 2020
Arc Flash Risks And Dangers
Introduction to Arc Flash
The proliferation of solar panels used in industrial and commercial building is a reflection of the decreasing cost of the photovoltaic modules and the increasing interest in renewable energy sources. The widespread use of photovoltaic systems increases the risk of exposure to electrical safety hazards that are inherently associated to nonlinear power sources.
It is a well-known fact that the standard protection devices are inefficient in detecting short circuit faults in photovoltaic systems. In addition, it is now recognized that the maximum incident energy deployed by a DC arc flash in a photovoltaic system is higher, and in many instances significantly higher, than those estimated by using the guidelines given by the NFPA 70E and the CSA Z462-12 standards.
Use of the existing guidelines can result in personnel being exposed to much higher safety risks than previously thought – here we consider 5 Arc Flash risks prevalent in the solar industry.
This article has been republished with the kind permission of Ben Cass from SKANWEAR.
Arc Flash In the solar Industry
With government plans to significantly increase the amount of energy generated through sustainable sources well underway, and with solar panels recognised as one of the most accessible ways for homeowners to make the switch, the solar industry is booming.
However, this is also an industry that comes with notable risks, particularly in terms of arc flash hazards.
The risk is so pronounced within the solar industry in particular due to the DC circuits found within typical PV installations, which can both generate and sustain arcs.
DC circuits present a greater challenge than AC circuits due to the constant-current source rather than constant voltage, which makes calculating arc energies difficult.
So just what are some of the biggest Arc Flash risks for Solar Industry Personnel?
The design systems of PV installations pose one of the greatest risks as there are many types of intermittent connection that the system can create which may then generate series Arc.
For example, anything from compression wire connections to soldered joints to the actual connectors that attach to the PV modules are all capable of creating intermittent connections and generating series arc. Quite simply, Arc Flash can occur remarkably easily within the solar industry, resulting in greater risk for solar personnel.
At midday on 30 June 2018, solar power supplied 30 per cent of the UK’s electricity (Shutterstock). Via Independent.
News: The largest solar power plant ever proposed in the UK will be reviewed by the Secretary of State within the next six months. Cleve Hill solar farm will occupy the north coast of Kent and, if built, provide up to 350MW (megawatts) of generating capacity.
Arc Flash Heat
The types of Arc Flash that can be generated within the solar industry are another major risk. With arcs capable of reaching more than 3000 degrees Celsius in temperature, these arcs not only cause fires but can also melt materials such as glass and metals including copper and aluminium. This can subsequently ignite any combustible materials and items in the surrounding area. In the solar industry, it is not only the direct risks of arc flash that must be considered but also the many possible indirect risks, too.
An Arc Flash event can expel large amounts of deadly energy. The arc causes an ionization of the air, and arc flash temperatures can reach as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hotter than the surface of the sun.
Injury and Fatality of Arc Flash
Arc Flash Risks
With the possibility of fire (in recent years there have been notable instances in the UK, USA, and Australia of PC installations causing fires along with significant damage to both domestic and commercial properties) and molten metal, injury and even fatality is a major risk for solar industry personnel. The best way to mitigate this risk is by wearing the correct Arc Protective Clothing equipment for the environment and identified hazards.
Dedicated arc flash PPE can minimise injury when worn correctly.
System Maintenance
Maintenance of equipment is undoubtedly one of the most effective ways to quickly identify system faults and reduce the chance of arc flash. However, due to the nature of PV installations, adequate system maintenance can be tricky, and a lack of thorough upkeep poses one of the greatest risks to solar industry personnel. With combiner boxes generally being located at a distance from each other, proper maintenance can involve disconnecting entire sections of the system at a time.
Required Action
Perhaps the greatest risk of all is the risk that solar personnel take inappropriate action when arc flash is determined to be most likely. With DC circuits, there are different Types of Arc Flash that can occur, with each requiring different action to be taken. With series arc, for example, a shutdown of power and significant reduction in circuit flow is needed. With parallel arc, however, conductors must be shorted simultaneously resulting in zero array voltage. Understanding system management is the key to safety.
If you are working on live Solar Panels there is a possibility an Arc Flash could happen.
Solar Fires – DC Arc Faults. Arc flash is a dangerous risk among those in the power industry. Arc flash is an electrical breakdown of the resistance of air that results in an electric arc, which can occur where there is sufficient voltage in an electrical system and a path to ground or lower voltage.
THORNE & DERRICK SPECIALIST ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTOR
The LV HV Specialists
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipmentto the renewable energy sector – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at 11kV and up to and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.
- Key 11kV Products: MV-HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Cleats, Duct Seals, Cable Transits, Underground Cable Protection, Copper Earth Tapes, Cable Jointing Tools, Feeder Pillars, Cable Ducting, Earthing & Lightning Protection, Electrical Safety, Cable Glands, Arc Flash Protection & Fusegear.
- Distributors for: 3M Cold Shrink, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, Catu, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Furse, Lucy Zodion, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec.
LV– Low Voltage Cable Joints, Glands, Cleats, Lugs & Accessories (1000 Volts)
MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)
Cable Laying – Underground Cable Covers, Ducting, Seals & Cable Pulling Equipment
T&D, CATU Electrical Safety & Arc Flash Protection Specialists for SAP’s, Linesmen, Jointers & Electrical Engineers – Largest UK Stockist
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.
Arc Flash Resistant Clothing Ranges | New ProGARM Lightweight Arc Flash Protection Garments
October 22nd, 2019
ProGARM delivers ultimate arc flash resistant clothing and protection, including coveralls, conforming with the relevant industry and EN standards ensuring protection from Arc Flash incidents.
Specialists in Arc Flash Protection
THE SPECIALIST CHOICE
FOR ARC FLASH PROTECTION
ProGARM is the leading UK manufacturer of high-quality Flame Resistant arc flash coveralls, garments and workwear – they work successfully with their UK Distributor Thorne & Derrick to save lives and reduce accidents.
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.
Continuous research, development and user testing ensures that ProGARM garments are comfortable to wear. They offer the ultimate protection in hazardous industries such as utilities, power generation, renewables, petrochemicals and industrial electrical. Every garment is designed with exceptional quality and inherent properties to provide the ultimate wearer experience.
New Lightweight Arc Flash Resistant Clothing Range
Arc Flash Standards
New garments are half the weight and more durable than existing products.
ProGARM, the UK’s leading Arc Flash resistant clothing & protection specialists, has announced an innovative new range with waterproof trousers, jackets and coveralls set for launch.
The new products are designed with the purpose of providing comfort and durability to the wearer, utilising an advanced composition technique that has been found to last longer than its previous iteration. With fire extinguishing properties, the new lightweight range also offers ultimate protection against Flame and Arc Flash Hazards.
All of the new products meet EN regulations and have been tested to 100,000 abrasion cycles – providing an ideal alternative to ProGARM’s existing range, with the key differences being that the new garments weigh half as much, have a seamless shoulder to offer more comfort when in a harness whilst crucially, still providing the same levels of protection against an Arc Flash.
Lightweight, waterproof and removable hoods mean these new products combine durability with comfort, ensuring workers can do their job with maximum protection and efficiency.
Managing Director of ProGARM, Tony Arnett said of the new products, “This new range shows just how committed ProGARM is to giving workers the best protection against Arc Flashes, whilst providing the ultimate comfort in fit.
“We are constantly innovating and trying to produce quality PPE that gives workers at risk the best possible protection as well as allowing them to do their jobs without their garments hindering movements.”
These new garments are the latest addition in ProGARM’s growing collection of PPE and will be used in many different industries that are at risk such as power generation, petrochemical, rail and utilities to prevent serious harm or death. The coverall is the lightest ever produced and features inherent VXS+ fabric, providing the same strength, tear and tensile as ProGARM’s 6458. The fabric is also highly durable, with less than 3% washing shrinkage; as well as breathable and soft to wear.
6460 ARC FLASH PROTECTION Coverall
The latest Arc Flash resistant clothing release from ProGARM is the 6460 lightweight coverall.
The 6460 premium lightweight Arc Flash coverall in VXS+ is super light with 160gms fabric. It is designed specifically for workers in the utility and energy markets requiring a lighter weight solution. The coverall features abrasion resistance up to 100,000 cycles and the same tensile & tear strength of the heavier 6458 coveralls.
ProGARM 6460 Lightweight Arc Flash Coverall
Arc flash coveralls compared
| NEW 6460 Coverall | OLD 6458 Coverall | |
| Weight | 160gms | 240gms |
| Industries | utility, energy | utility, energy |
| Body Harness | can be worn with a harness | can be worn with a harness |
| Fabric | VXS+ | VXS+ |
NEW Lightweight 6460 Arc Flash Coverall
PREVIOUS 6458 Arc Flash Coverall
WHAT IS AN ARC FLASH?
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 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 as high voltage injuries.
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 Need For Arc Flash Resistant Clothing & Protection
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.
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 | Risk Reduction by Using Arc Flash Gloves
October 22nd, 2019
TraffiGlove – Arc Flash Gloves Specialists
The following article has been produced by TraffiGlove – Arc Flash Gloves Specialists. Special thanks for the permission to re-publish your article.
UNDERSTANDING ARC FLASH
The most common cause of all electrical injuries is arc flash – an incident which can change an employee’s life in the blink of an eye.
An arc flash is an electrical current that jumps from the intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another. When an arc fault occurs, it causes the release of massive amounts of energy into the air, resulting in explosions which can reach up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit in an instant.
Such high temperatures can also vaporise metals, such as copper, which sustains the arc and amplifies its power.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS?
Arc flashes only last for several milliseconds, but this is more than enough time for the superheated air and vapourised solids to cause significant injury to nearby workers. The intense light from an arc flash can also cause damage to the retina.
Not only this, but arc flashes are accompanied by a pressure wave and sound blast loud enough to damage hearing or even brain function. This so-called ‘arc blast’ also sends any loose debris, tools or equipment flying out from the fault at supersonic speeds causing further injuries.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?
An arc flash is a potentially fatal incident for any personnel in the vicinity.
Workers can suffer:
- First, second and/or third-degree burns, not only on the front but also the back
- Internal damage to vital organs from high amounts of voltage travelling through the body
- Blunt force trauma from the blast
- Shrapnel damage to the skin
- Damage to their sight
- Health effects from breathing toxic fumes
- Hearing loss
The consequences of arc flash incidents are often life-changing for the individuals involved, with treatment for burns, in particular, involving years of skin grafts and surgery.
REDUCING THE RISKS WITH ARC FLASH GLOVES
When an arc flash occurs, hands are usually the first body part to catch fire due to their close proximity to the fault. As such, workers should not wear gloves which may easily burn, ignite or do not provide any protection from heat.
Rubber insulating gloves have long since been the norm for tasks that carry an arc flash risk.
However, rubber gloves can be incredibly bulky and limit dexterity, making them difficult to work in. Due to this, many non-rubber, lightweight arc flash gloves are now entering the market.
Such gloves are made from material which is innately flame-resistant (leather, aramid, coated nylon, and glass) or treated.
These types of arc flash gloves are far more comfortable than their rubber counterparts and often provide more protection. These seamless knit solutions can also increase the level of cut protection of the EN 388 standard. However, you should always discuss your requirements with a safety specialist to ensure you wear the correct safety glove for the job.
TraffiGlove September best seller
September’s best-seller was announced as TraffiGlove’s TG5140. The glove is a close-fitting and flexible Cut C glove with a high tech MicroDex Nitrile Foam coating that provides excellent grip in wet, dry and oily conditions. The durability and glove life is also excellent.
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors of Arc Flash protective clothing, garments and accessories – should you require 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 Clothing | Polo Shirts | Jackets | Coveralls | Trousers | Sweatshirts | Helmets
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.
Arc Gloves | New Arc Flash Dexterity Gloves from Protection Specialists ProGARM
October 9th, 2019
-
uploaded by Chris Dodds | Thorne & Derrick Sales Marketing Manager
ProGARM delivers ultimate arc flash clothing and protection, including arc gloves, 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
Arc Flash Hand Protection
ProGARM is the leading UK manufacturer of high-quality, Flame Resistant, Arc Flash clothing, gloves, garments and workwear – they work successfully with their UK Distributor Thorne & Derrick to save lives and reduce arc flash accident effects.
ProGARM is the only UK manufacturer concentrating on and specialising 100% in Arc Flash and Flame Resistant garments for utility workers and businesses.
Arc Gloves
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.
Product Launch: 2700 dexterity arc gloves
ProGARM are committed to continual research and improvement to innovate as quickly as possible to bring you the new products and Arc Flash clothing and protection you require.
Arc Gloves
The latest innovation is the 2700 Arc Flash dexterity glove, designed and developed to provide a comfortable and practical glove solution for those undertaking complex work with their hands when handling underground cables and overhead lines depending of the level of arc flash protection required.
The latest development within the accessories range, these arc rated gloves combines exceptional Arc Flash protection with practical features, including abrasion resistance, elasticity and improved hand conformity with excellent wet and dry grip.
And as you would expect from ProGARM, the 2700 Arc Flash rated gloves have been designed with the user at mind. Featuring A4/Cut 5/Level D resistance alongside its inherent Arc Flash protection, they can take the place of the standard grip and grab gloves used within a variety of industry sectors. This will not only keep the practicality that operatives are used to but also combat the risks of wearing highly flammable gloves when at risk of an Arc Flash incident.
DON’T COMPROMISE ON SAFETY, PROTECTION AND COMFORT
With a calorific rating of 8.6 cal/cm², our 2700 Gloves are excellent Arc Flash resistant gloves. Having been tested to Arc category 2 using the Open Arc Test Method and conforming to NFPA 70e, mechanical risks, EN 388:2016 and thermal risks, EN 407:2004 you don’t have to compromise the hand safety and protection of the wearer.
Alongside its practical design and features, the 2700 arc glove is sure to be a complementing and necessary accessory to add to you and your team’s Arc Flash PPE solution.
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.
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
