Arc Flash Clothing & Protection – PPE
Arc Flash Clothing & Protection
Arc flash clothing and protection equipment, including coveralls, gloves, helmets, face shields, and general head-to-toe PPE (arc flash coveralls), are used to protect against flashover but will not prevent arc flash hazards.
Thorne & Derrick stock and supply arc flash clothing kits compliant with IEC 61482-2 standards, offering essential garments and PPE for effective protection against arc flash hazards.
The range of Arc Flash protection clothing manufactured by CATU Electrical is in compliance with NFPA 70E and ASTM standards and protects any worker from potential electrical arc flash – See our Arc Flash Calculator. The range is worn when working on substations, overhead lines or carrying out routine maintenance on switchgear, transformers, circuit breakers, ring main units, and medium/high voltage electrical equipment and cables.
PPE – PROTECTIVE CLOTHING RANGE
The following products are part of the arc flash protection range and are essential in preventing arc flash hazards:
Arc flash hood | CATU afg-hood-4
The Arc Flash Hood provides protection against thermal hazards of an arc flash and whole protection of the head, eyes, face and neck.
Arc Flash Protection | 25 – 40 cal/cm²
IEC 61482-2 Standard
Technical Features:
- Face shield clips for visor helmet with side slots for hazardous areas
- Grey protective shield for better colour recognition
- Quick identification of the protection provided by the marking on the outside of the cap
Arc Flash Jacket | CATU AFG-4000
CATU’s Arc Flash Jacket provides protection against thermal hazards of an electric arc, heat and flames, welding hazards and being antistatic.
IEC 61482-2 Standard
Arc Flash Protection | 25-40 cal/cm²
Technical Features
- Prevention of the worsening of an accident by quickly and easily removing the jacket thanks to the red anti-panic zip.
- Adjustable to all body types: cuffs that can be tightened, elastic waist
- A high collar and adjustable cuffs improve the garment’s high protection.
- Numerous features: 1 chest band, numerous pockets.
- Standard pictograms clearly visible on the left sleeve.
Arc Flash Trousers | CATU AFG 2001
CATU Electricals Arc Flash trousers provide multi-risk protection against thermal hazard’s of an electric arc, heat and flames, welding hazards and being antistatic.
IEC 61482-2 Standard
Arc Flash Protection | 12 cal/cm²
Technical Features
- Elasticated belt with loops to provide extra arc flash protection
- Central closure with jeans button and red zipper
- 2 Italian pockets – covered by flap
- 2 cargo pockets – flap and scratch closure
- Reinforcements at the crotch
- Comfort foam at the knees
- Adjustable inner leg length (77 cm or 82 cm)
Arc Flash Switching Suit | CATU AFG 2300
The Arc Flash Switching Suits manufactured by CATU Electrical are ideal for providing protection during live operations and are made to withstand an electrical arc flash.
IEC 61482-2 Standard
Arc Flash Protection | 12 cal/cm²
Technical fEATURES
- Adjustable hood for better protection of the head and the neck in cases of higher risk, to be worn with a visor or a helmet
- A velcro central fastening along the entire length makes it easy to open and close
- A back length of 121 cm to ensure efficient protection of the operator down to the knees
- Pictograms of the standards are clearly visible on the left sleeve.
Common causes of Arc Flash
Human error & carelessness- unsafe, ambiguous work procedures, maintenance mistakes, mishandling of conductive tools, cables, and metal covers; the overall absence of authorised procedures to carry out unfamiliar tasks on critical, high-risk electrical equipment.
Negligent Preventive Maintenance – not checking for loose terminations and allowing conductive soot, dust and debris build-up critical in medium/high voltage networks. High-resistance ground faults and not testing stored energy (e.g. spring-operated pressure switches).
Improper Electrical Equipment Systems – incorrect modifications or using legacy equipment that is non-conformant with modern arc flash standards, such as open-type switchboards and fuseboards.
Protection Standards
CATU Electricals arc flash clothing comply with the following international and European standards:
| Standards | Protection | Hood | Jacket | Trousers | Switching Jacket |
 |
Protection against the thermal effects of an electric arc flash Arc Protection Class: APC 2 (7kA) Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV): 40 cal/cm² |
X | X | X | X |
 |
Heat and flame-protective wear
A1: Limited flame spread properties B1: Protection against convective heat C2: Protection against radiant heat F2: Protection against contact heat |
X | X | X | |
 |
Protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes
Class 2 |
X | X | X | |
 |
Electrostatic dissipative protective clothing | X | X | X |
Arc Flash Clothing Size Chart
CATU Arc flash clothing kits optimise multi-risk and flash arc protection thanks to many advanced features:
- An anti-panic zip allows the jacket or switching suit to be quickly removed in the event of an accident
- A universal solution 25-40 cal/cm²
Improved comfort and durability
- Light and soft fabric with kermel for maximum comfort for arc flash accidents
- Comfort padding at the knees
- Reinforcement at the crotch
 |
A – Chest Measurement: Measured around the widest part of the chest, holding the tape measure absolutely horizontal. |
| B- Waist Measurement: Measured under the navel, holding the tape measure absolutely horizontal. | |
| C- Hip Measurement: Measured at the widest point of the hips, holding the tape measure absolutely horizontal. |
Arc Flash Jacket
| Size to order | X Small | Small | Medium | Large | X Large | 2X Large | 3X Large | 4X Large | 5X Large |
| A-Maximum Chest Measurement (cm) | 90 | 94 | 98 | 101 | 105 | 109 | 113 | 117 | 121 |
| C- Maximum Hip Measurement (cm) | 92 | 94 | 98 | 102 | 106 | 110 | 113 | 117 | 121 |
| The Chest Measurement defines the size of the garment as long as the hip measurement is less than or equal to the measurement shown in the table. | |||||||||
Arc Flash Trousers
| Size to Order | X Small | Small | Medium | Large | X Large | 2X Large | 3X Large | 4X Large | 5X Large |
| C-Maximum Hip Measurement (cm) | 90 | 94 | 98 | 101 | 105 | 109 | 113 | 117 | 121 |
Arc Flash Switching suits
| Size to order | Small | Large | 2X Large | 4X Large | ||||
| A-Maximum Chest Measurement (cm) | 94 | 101 | 109 | 117 | ||||
| C- Maximum Hip Measurement (cm) | 94 | 102 | 110 | 117 | ||||
| The Chest Measurement defines the size of the garment as long as the hip measurement is less than or equal to the measurement shown in the table. |
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CATU Electrical ranges of arc flash clothing and switching suits includes a convenient kit of PPE with face shields, helmets, and visors to protect the head and face and gloves for hand protection for utility workers—worn by substation engineers, SAP’s, cable jointers and overhead linesmen.
Thorne & Derrick also distribute the ProGARM range of Arc Flash Clothing and Flame Resistant Protective garments for everyday 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.
Contact us to discuss how to minimise and mitigate arc flash risk using the correct clothing and PPE.
CATU-AFG Arc Flash Protection RangeDownload
