Class 2 Arc Protection
Understanding Arc Flash — ARC 2
Class 2 Arc Protection: 8–25 cal/cm²
ARC 2 is the most widely specified tier across ProGARM’s range — standard outerwear for routine maintenance and switching tasks, where incident energy is elevated but doesn’t call for the heaviest, most restrictive PPE. It covers everyday jackets, trousers and dungarees built for teams who wear arc protection all day, every day.
What does ARC 2 mean?
ProGARM uses ARC 1 to ARC 4 to describe ELIM ratings from the Open Arc Test (IEC 61482-1-1) — the highest incident energy a garment can withstand with a 0% probability of injury. ARC 2 covers 8–25 cal/cm², and it’s the tier the majority of ProGARM’s day-to-day workwear — jackets, trousers, dungarees and coveralls — is built to. Most ARC 2 garments are also classified APC 2 under the Box Test (passing at 7kA / 320 kJ), covering higher-risk confined-arc scenarios as well as open-arc exposure.
For the full breakdown of how ARC ratings, ELIM, ATPV, EBT50 and APC classifications are calculated, see ProGARM’s guide to Arc Risk Category Levels.
ARC tiers at a glance
| Tier | ELIM Range | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 1 | 4–7 cal/cm² | Low voltage work, layered systems, baselayers |
| ARC 2 | 8–25 cal/cm² | Standard outerwear for routine maintenance and switching — most common tier |
| ARC 3 | 25–39 cal/cm² | Outerwear for elevated incident energy environments |
| ARC 4 | 40+ cal/cm² | High-voltage switching — Arc 4 Switching Suit with PYRAD® Technology, APC 2 |
Who needs ARC 2 protection?
The right ARC tier for any task is set by a documented arc flash risk assessment, not by job title alone — but ARC 2 is the default starting point for most electrical work, including:
- Routine maintenance, inspection and switching on LV and MV equipment
- Substation and switchgear tasks in industrial electrical and power generation environments
- Daily site wear for utilities teams who need arc protection built into everyday workwear, not just occasional-use PPE
- Trackside and lineside work in the rail sector requiring both arc protection and hi-visibility compliance
- Wind turbine and renewable energy maintenance in the windpower sector
If you haven’t yet completed an arc flash study for these tasks, ProGARM’s specialists can help you scope one — speak to a specialist.
ProGARM’s ARC 2 range
Because ARC 2 is the tier most teams live in day-to-day, it’s also where ProGARM’s range is widest — spanning the Gen 2 collection of dungarees and trousers through to arc-rated softshell jackets built for outdoor, weather-exposed work. Unlike single-purpose PPE, these garments are designed to be worn as everyday workwear: comfortable enough for a full shift, durable enough for daily washing, and certified across multiple hazards in a single garment.
8–25 cal/cm²
ELIM range covering the majority of ProGARM’s outerwear
APC 2
7kA Box Test classification on most ARC 2 garments
7 standards
Certified as genuine multi-norm everyday workwear
ARC 2 garments like the Gen 2 dungaree and trouser range are built from 305gsm VXS+ fabric — an inherent ripstop outer with a comfortable plain-weave lining — with pre-bent knees, reinforced gussets and triple-needle stitching for freedom of movement across a full working day. Full range detail is on the Gen 2 collection page.
Build your ARC 2 kit
ARC 2 kit typically pairs an arc-rated jacket with dungarees or trousers, each independently tested and rated to 17–23 cal/cm² (APC 2).
Prefer a dungaree with Class 2 high-visibility instead of Class 1? The ProGARM DG215 Arc Rated Two-Tone Dungaree shares the same 17 cal/cm² (APC 2) rating as the DG210 with upgraded visibility — speak to a specialist for current pricing and stock. For teams needing full-body coverage in one garment, ProGARM’s Arc Flash Coveralls range also spans the ARC 1–2 tiers.
Certified across multiple European standards
ARC 2 garments in the Gen 2 range are tested and certified against seven European standards — not just arc flash, but flame and heat, welding-adjacent protection, anti-static, chemical splash, UV and high visibility in a single multi-norm garment:
This combination makes ARC 2 garments genuine multi-norm everyday workwear — arc, thermal, anti-static, chemical and UV protection built into a single certified system rather than layered guesswork. Every garment is backed by ProGARM’s Lifetime Seam Guarantee, and fitted with ThermSAFE fastenings — zips, poppers and Velcro engineered from military-grade, non-spark FR materials that keep functioning after an arc event.
Choosing the right level for your team
ARC 2 covers the widest range of everyday electrical work, but it’s still a specific answer to a calculated risk, not a default assumption. Before specifying ARC 2 kit:
- Identify the task and incident energy using your arc flash study or a documented risk assessment at the working distance.
- Confirm the incident energy falls within 8–25 cal/cm² — if it’s lower, lighter ARC 1 baselayers may be more appropriate; if higher, step up to ARC 3 or ARC 4.
- Fit the complete system — jacket and trousers or dungaree — rather than mixing an ARC 2 outer layer with unrated accessories.
If you haven’t completed a risk assessment, or you’re unsure whether your team’s tasks call for ARC 1 or ARC 2 protection, ProGARM’s specialists can help. Request a quote or speak to a specialist today.
Ready to specify ARC 2 protection?
Speak to ProGARM’s specialist team about the Gen 2 range, sizing, bulk orders, or custom branding for your team.
Request a Quote View Gen 2 CollectionRelated resources
- Arc Risk Category Levels — full guide to ARC 1–4, ELIM, ATPV, EBT50 and APC classifications
- Class 3 Arc Protection — the tier above ARC 2, for elevated incident energy and weatherproofing
- EN Standards & Certifications — every standard ProGARM garments are tested to
- Utilities PPE — sector guidance for everyday maintenance work
- In-House Testing Laboratory — how ProGARM verifies every garment before certification
- Arc Flash FAQs — common questions on ratings, care and compliance