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Arc-Rated Clothing

Categories:Industry news
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Time of issue:2016-02-24
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Arc-Rated Clothing

As the name implies, arc-rated clothing fabric is subjected to a series of arc flashes to determine how much energy it can block before it is likely to cause the wearer a 2nd degree burn 50% of the time. This amount is known as the Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV). However if the fabric breaks open prior to reaching the ATPV the arc rating it is labeled as the Energy breakopen threshold (Ebt).The EBT is the amount of energy a material can withstand before the fabric breaks open and exposes skin or lower layers of clothing to the hazard. The ATPV and EBT are measured in calories of heat energy per square centimeter (cal/cm²). The higher the arc rating value, the greater the protection.

According to all current standards for arc flash protection clothing must be flame resistant to qualify for arc rating. This makes the difference between arc-rated vs flame resistant clothing clear: Equipment rated FR may not provide sufficient protection for workers in environments where arc flash hazards exist. These employees must wear the appropriate level of AR PPE in order to lessen the chances of serious injury or even death.

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