Arc Flash Clothing

Arc flash personal protective equipment (PPE) protects workers dealing with tasks that could lead to life-threatening injuries from electrical shock or high-intensity heat. Light and heat produced from an electric arc supplied with sufficient electrical energy will cause substantial damage, harm, fire, or injury. Because arc flash temperature can reach 35,000° F, which is three times higher than the Earth's core temperature, the severity of workers' injuries can be devastating: permanent loss of hearing or eyesight, severe burns, and even death.

Unlike flame-resistant clothing, arc flash PPE comes with an arc flash rating based on rigorous testing for a demonstrable level of protection. All arc-rated clothing is inherently flame resistant, but not all FR clothing has an arc rating. 

You will find arc flash clothing for daily wear, ArcShield products, arc flash coveralls, coats, pants, arc flash hoods, and kits from brands like DBI-SALA, NSA, Oberon, PIP, and Saf-Tech. Explore our selection to find the right protection for your specific workplace hazards. Order now and elevate your workers' protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between FR clothing and arc-rated clothing?

Arc-rated (AR) clothing is not the same as flame-resistant clothing. The terms have different applications and shouldn’t be confused with one another.

The term “flame resistant” can be applied to any type of clothing with flame resistance, but these items do not meet any specific standards relating to any particular hazard mandated by OSHA or other regulatory bodies. 

To obtain the arc flash rating, FR gear must be tested to see how well the material holds up against flash fires. Exposing these fabrics to flash fires establishes the Energy Break-Open Threshold, represented in calories per square foot, or the point at which the fabric starts to break down due to excess heat. This number serves as the rating for the gear and is critical for workers in high-risk industries.

At least 20 garment samples must be exposed to flash fire during the testing process. Sensors record the amount of energy going through the clothing, and the results are analyzed using the Stoll Curve, which sets the level of heat needed to create a second-degree burn. The results show at what point there is a 50% probability of the person developing second-degree burns.

AR clothing falls into one of four categories:

• Category 1: Minimum Arc Rating of 4 cal/cm2, i.e., a single layer of fabric.
• Category 2: Minimum Arc Rating of 8 cal/cm2. Fabric is slightly thicker than Category 1.
• Category 3: Minimum Arc Rating of 25 cal/cm2. Includes additional insulation and a FR hood, gloves, and other FR clothes.
• Category 4: Minimum Arc Rating of 40 cal/cm2. The highest level of protection is offered for electricians and electrical workers, often requiring arc flash suits.

By this logic, all AR clothing is flame-resistant, but not all are arc-rated. Look for these terms when selecting PPE for your work environment to ensure quality protection on every job.

How do I know if my clothes are arc-rated?

All arc-rated clothing has a label or tag indicating the official rating and classification level. The clothing must have a rating tag to be considered arc-rated, even if it claims to be flame-resistant.

Does arc flash clothing expire?

Arc flash clothing doesn’t typically expire, but it should be cleaned and maintained over time, or it loses its protective properties. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when laundering FR clothing and avoid using products, such as fabric softeners, that reduce effectiveness. 

If the arc is torn or has a hole, it must be patched with the same arc-rated fabric or removed from rotation. These clothes, including coveralls and protective garments, should also be comfortable to wear in the field. This includes having multiple sizes available or adjustable straps to fit all body types.

Can I wear regular clothing layers underneath my arc-rated gear?

You should only wear non-melting, natural fiber clothing (like cotton) under arc-rated gear, as synthetic fabrics can melt onto skin during an arc flash incident. Some workplaces require all layers to be flame-resistant clothing for maximum protection.

How often should I inspect my arc flash clothing for damage?

Arc flash clothing should be inspected before each use for any tears, holes, or contamination that could compromise protection. Regular documented inspections help ensure the gear maintains its protective properties throughout its lifecycle. 

OSHA requires employers to ensure that protective equipment, including flame-resistant clothing, remains in safe working condition.