IEC 61482-2 | Arc Flash Clothing & Protection Standard (Version EN-IEC 61482-2: 2020)

Published 22 Mar 2023

EN-IEC 61482-2: 2020 Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc

EN IEC 61482-2:2020 Supersedes IEC 61482-2:2009

IEC 61482-2 Standard is an International Electrotechnical Commission standard regarding live working – protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc. This part of EN 61482 specifies requirements and test methods applicable to materials and garments for protective clothing for electrical workers against the thermal hazards of an arc flash.

Electric shock hazards and other effects like noise, light emissions, pressure rise, hot oil, the consequences of physical and mental shock or toxic influences are not covered by this standard. Protection of eyes, face, head, hands, and feet against electric arc hazard fall outside the scope of this standard.

EN IEC 61482-2 includes two methods for testing. Garments can be certified according to one of the test methods or to both test methods.

What is an electric arc?

Electric Arc and the Arc Flash created is an extremely dangerous and least understood hazard of electricity. It occurs as a result of extreme discharges of voltage or electrical current from equipment including switchgear, transformers and heavy electrical equipment. The Arc generates a high level of energy for a very short span of time (up to 1 second). The intense heat can create temperatures as high as 19,000°C and it also produces electric shock, force and large quantities of thermal radiant energy.

What is the Risk?

In any situation where your employees are working with electricity, an Arc Flash can occur and as such the maximum energy of default circuits in any electrical installation must be able to be determined. The risks of an electric Arc exposure are:

• Electrocution – potentially fatal
• Extremely high levels of Radiant Heat
• 1st, 2nd or 3rd Degree burns – 3rd Degree burns cause permanent damage

Arc Testing Methods

EN-IEC 61482-1-1:2019 supersedes IEC 61482-1:2009 – “Open Arc Test Method”

USA Arc Flash Test Method

The Open Arc Test Method (ATPV test and garment test) determines the Arc Rating Arc Thermal Protection Value (ATPV level), ELIM (incident energy limit) or Energy Break Open Threshold (EBT) of flame-resistant material (Method A) and clothing (Method B). The basic principle is that the ATPV of the garment must be higher than the Arc Flash energy level as calculated. The “Open Arc” test method is the same as the original North American method for measuring the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) as used in ASTM F1959. The Arc Rating is expressed in cal/cm² (calories per centimetre square).

EN-IEC 61482-1-2:2015 – “Box Test Method” 

European Arc Flash Test Method

In the Box Test Method, materials and clothing will be tested using two methods: the material box test method and the garment box test method.

The material box test method is used to measure and determine material response to an arc exposure when tested in a flat configuration. A quantitative measurement of arc thermal performance is made by means of the energy transmitted through the material. During this test, a fabric sample is exposed to an electric arc produced by a 4kA or 7kA short circuit. In this test, the arc does not last any longer than 500ms. The amount of heat transmitted through the sample is measured during and after the test.

Based on the resulting data and a Stoll curve, the length of time it would take to cause the onset of second-degree burns is subsequently determined. Samples are also assessed for after-flaming, hole formation, melting, etc.

The garment box test method is used to test the function of the protective clothing after an arc exposure (i.e., no heat flux will be measured). This test must be conducted on a complete garment. In doing this, the objective is not to determine the energetic value, but to assess the garment after exposure to an electric arc for defects in the seams, fastenings, and other closures.

The garments are tested and evaluated in two classes in the same test:

• APC1 (Arc protection class) protects against electric arc of 4kA (arc energy 168 kJ)
• APC2 protects against electric arc of 7kA (arc energy 320 kJ)

The standard requires the following:

• A garment must have at least an ELIM value of 3,2 cal/cm2 (130 kJ/m2), or else an ATPV or EBT value of 4 cal/cm2 (167.5kJ/m2) according to IEC 61482-1-1 or APC1 when tested according to EN IEC 61482-1-2
• Garments must be sewn with inherently flame-resistant threads
• If a garment has a higher rating of arc protection on the front than on the back, the garment’s torso, sleeves, and legs must be made using the arc-rated material; the back of the garment can have a lower arc rating
• Garments must have no exposed external metal (i.e., any internal metal or melting parts are to be covered inside to avoid contact with the skin)
• The garment label must show the lowest ATPV or class if the garment is comprised of different panels of material; more detailed information about areas of the garment with varying levels of protection may be provided on the garment’s label or in the manufacturer’s instructions pertaining to use
• The protective clothing material must have some minimum tensile, tear, and burst resistance and minimum dimensional stability (e.g., for wear and tear associated with cleaning)
• The garments must cover the entirety of the wearer’s body. For example, jacket and trousers must be worn together with other personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet with a protective visor, protective gloves, and protective footwear (i.e., work boots) to achieve the correct level of protection. Layering is very important and will increase protection (e.g., if you wear flame-retardant underwear beneath your flame-retardant garments, you are better protected).

ARC FLASH PPE & ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Main UK Stockists & Distributors of Electrical Safety Products

Thorne & Derrick provide Electrical Safety Equipment to substation engineers, cable jointers, overhead linesmen and utility workers with PPE and electrical safety equipment including insulating gloves, voltage detectors, insulating matting and portable earthing to ensure worker safety when carrying out maintenance on LV-HV switchgear, substations, cables and electrical equipment.

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