Arc Flash is a dangerous electrical phenomenon that occurs when an electric current passes through the air between conductors or from a conductor to ground, creating a powerful electrical explosion.
Temperatures during an arc flash can reach up to 19,000°C (35,000°F) — hotter than the surface of the sun. ☀️ This can cause: Severe burns, Intense heat radiation, Pressure blast, Molten metal splatter, Fire and equipment damage, Eye and hearing injuries
1️⃣ Arc Flash Protective Clothing.
Typical garments include:Arc flash jacket, Arc flash trousers, Bib & brace overalls, Coveralls, Arc flash hood.
IEC 61482-2 – Protective clothing against thermal hazards of an electric arc
IEC 61482-1-1 – Open arc test (ELIM / ATPV / EBT) e.g., 8, 12, 25, 40 cal/cm²
IEC 61482-1-2 – Box test (Class 1 / Class 2)
2️⃣ Arc Flash Helmet & Face Shield
These protect: Head, Face, Eyes. Common configurations: Helmet with integrated arc visor, Helmet + arc flash hood, Arc-rated face shield.
GS-ET-29 – Arc flash face shield performance, APC 1, APC 2
EN IEC 62819:2023 (New) - Arc Flash Protective Helmet & Face Shield Systems APC 1, APC 2
EN 166 – Eye protection
EN 170 – UV filters
EN ISO 16321-1:2022 (New) - Eye and face protection for occupational use
EN 50365 2002 – Electrically insulating helmets, Class 0 (1 000 V a.c. or 1 500 V d.c.)
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type I Class E Class E (Electrical) up to 20,000 V
EN 50365 2023 (New) – Electrically insulating helmets, Class 00 (up to 500 V), 0 (up to 1,000 V), 1 (up to 7,500 V), 2 (up to 17,000 V)
3️⃣ Arc Flash Gloves.
Arc flash hand protection usually consists of: Rubber insulating gloves or Leather protector gloves.
IEC 60903 – Insulating gloves for electrical work
IEC 61482-1-2 – Box test (Class 1 / Class 2)
EN 388 – Mechanical protection
EN 407 – Heat protection
ASTM F2675 – Arc Rating System ATPV ≥ 4 cal/cm² = Cat 1, ≥ 8 cal/cm² = Cat 2, ≥ 25 cal/cm² = Cat 3, ≥ 40 cal/cm² = Cat 4