EUROPEAN STANDARD
Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc
(EN 61482-2:2020)
ProGARM produces safety garments that protect workers against the Thermals Hazards of an Electric Arc. Each garment style is carefully designed to offer the maximum protection in regards to IEC 61482 whilst ensuring comfort and outstanding durability. As Arc Flash garments come under the requirements of Category 3 Protective Clothing, these garments are manufactured under Article 19 / Annex VIII Module D Quality Control Procedures.
TEST METHODS
Garments can be certified to one or both methods. Each method produces a different rating and is referenced by a different part of IEC 61482-1.
IEC 61482-1-1:2019
Open Arc test method (ATPV test and garment test). This replaces IEC 61482-1:2002. The Open Arc test method is the same as the original North American method for measuring the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV), as used in ASTM F1959.
Materials or assemblies are given an ATPV / EBT / ELIM value, expressed in kilojoules per square metre (kJ/m²), which can be converted into the familiar cal/cm².
IEC 61482-1-2:2018
Box Arc test method (fabric classification and garment test). Based on the original European method described in ENV 50354, with a heat transfer measurement. Materials or assemblies are classified as Arc Protection Class (APC) 1 (4 kA) or APC 2 (7 kA).
During the test, a fabric sample is exposed to an electric arc produced by a 4 kA or 7 kA short circuit. The arc lasts no longer than 500 ms. Heat transmitted through the sample is measured during and after the test. Using the resulting data and a Stoll curve, the time to onset of second-degree burns is determined.
THE RISK
In any situation where your employees are working with electricity, an arc flash can occur. The maximum energy of default circuits in any electrical installation must be able to be determined. The risks of an electric arc exposure are:
Potentially fatal.
Extremely high levels of radiant heat.
3rd degree burns cause permanent damage.
CERTIFIED PRODUCTS
REQUIREMENTS
Performance requirements for materials and design requirements for garments, plus marking and user information.
This part of IEC 61482 is applicable to protective clothing used in work where there is an electric arc hazard. The standard specifies requirements and test methods applicable to materials and garments for protective clothing worn by electrical workers, based on the relevant general properties of the textiles, tested with selected textile test methods, and one of the test methods defined below.
TESTING
It is important to note that not only the fabric should be tested for conformance to the arc flash standard, but also the complete garment or garment assembly itself. The garment test is not testing for energetic value but is testing to ensure that the garment structure remains intact after the arc exposure and that components such as zippers and buttons are still functional and do not contribute further injury to the wearer by melting or heat transfer.
IMPORTANT
Performance assumes a specific test environment. Outside these conditions, the level of protection can be reduced.
TEST CONDITIONS (CLASS 1, 4 kA)
135 kJ/m² ± 56 kJ/m² (3.2 ± 1.2 cal/cm²)
With arc protection, the environmental conditions and the risks at the working site shall be regarded. If the working environment deviates from the temperature or humidity range above, the level of protection may be reduced. Exposure to higher incident energies or longer duration arcs may result in the garment providing insufficient protection. Risk assessments should be conducted prior to live working.
For full body protection, protective clothing shall be worn in the closed state. Other suitable PPE (helmet with face screen, gloves, boots) shall be used.
No garments such as shirts, undergarments or underwear should be used which melt under arc exposure (e.g. polyamide, polyester or acrylic fibres). For maximum protection against arc flash exposure, garments should be worn as part of a layering system.
TERMINOLOGY
| Term | Stands for | Definition | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| APTV | Arc Thermal Performance Value | Incident energy at which there is 50% probability of a 2nd-degree burn. Measured in cal/cm² or kJ/m². |
From the Open Arc test method. |
| EBT | Energy Breakopen Threshold | Energy at which the fabric breaks open during the test, exposing the wearer. |
Reported when fabric breaks before reaching ATPV. |
| ELIM | Incident Energy Limit | Energy below which there is <5% probability of a 2nd-degree burn. The most conservative measure. |
Preferred value to specify against. |
| APC 1 | Arc Protection Class 1 | Garment passes the Box Arc test at a 4 kA short circuit, 500 ms exposure. |
From the Box Arc test method. |
| APC 2 | Arc Protection Class 2 | Garment passes the Box Arc test at a 7 kA short circuit, 500 ms exposure. |
From the Box Arc test method. |
REVISION
EN 61482-2:2020 is the second edition of the standard. It cancels and replaces IEC 61482-2:2009 and constitutes a technical revision. The 5 changes shown right are taken verbatim from the BSI foreword.
Aligned with IEC 61482-1-1.
New requirements for layers between outer and inner fabric.
Additional material requirement for volume resistance.
New test procedure for the thermal resistance of sewing threads.
New symbol for marking on the garment label.
Keeping your team safe is always top priority. Your team need to be protected against an Arc Flash incident if there is a risk of one occurring whilst they work. If your teams work in industries close to sources of high voltage, there is a good chance they need protection. A first step is to conduct an Arc Flash study at your site, a risk assessment that determines the Arc Flash hazards present. An expert in electrical safety conducts the assessment so a company understands the risks their workplace poses, and how to protect against them.
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