FR & ARC Terminology

American National Standards Institute standard for eye and face protective devices, relevant to arc-rated visors and helmets.

A material or garment property that dissipates electrostatic charge. Critical in ATEX and petrochemical environments where a static spark could ignite gas or vapour. Tested under EN 1149-5.

Describes fabric or garments meeting EN 1149-5, engineered to dissipate static charge and prevent sparking that could ignite flammable atmospheres.

Classification given to garments that pass the Box Test under IEC 61482-1-2. APC 1 covers lower incident energy, APC 2 covers higher. Used across European certified garments.

The two protection classes produced by the Box Test (IEC/DIN EN 61482-1-2). APC 2 offers a higher level of arc flash protection than APC 1. Certified garments are marked with their class, the standard reference, and compatible accessories (gloves, helmets, visors).

ProGARM's in-brochure scale (1 = lowest, 4 = highest) showing the energy level of task a garment is suited to protect against. In this brochure ARC 1-4 corresponds to ELIM ratings; where ELIM isn't available, ATPV/EBT ratings are shown instead.

The explosive pressure wave and force associated with an arc flash event, distinct from the thermal (heat/light) hazard - can cause physical trauma, hearing damage, and propel debris or molten metal.

An accessory or overgarment providing additional arc flash coverage to a specific body area, layered over standard PPE for higher-risk tasks.

An Arc Flash is a sudden release of electrical energy caused by an electrical fault or short circuit. It generates extreme heat, intense light and pressure capable of causing severe burns, injuries or fatalities. Wearing certified Arc Rated PPE significantly reduces the risk of injury.

The calculated distance from a potential arc flash source within which a person could receive a second-degree burn; used to define required PPE and safe approach distances.

A protective hood, often used with a switching suit, covering the head, face (via a visor) and neck to provide full arc flash protection during high-risk switching operations.

Personal protective equipment specifically tested and rated to protect against arc flash thermal hazards, as opposed to general workwear or PPE for other hazard types.

A site-specific engineering analysis (e.g. per IEEE 1584) that calculates incident energy levels and arc flash boundaries at points in an electrical system, used to determine the required PPE category/cal rating for tasks and locations.

Describes fabric or PPE that has been tested and given a quantified arc rating (ATPV/EBT or ELIM) under IEC 61482 or ASTM/NFPA test methods, confirming a known level of arc flash protection.

Flame-resistant, arc-rated female-specific undergarment, part of ProGARM's female-specific PPE range designed to ensure non-FR underwear doesn't compromise protection.

Clothing that has been tested to a recognised standard (IEC 61482, ASTM F1959/NFPA 70E) and assigned a quantified arc rating, confirming its level of protection.

A one-piece arc-rated garment covering the torso, arms and legs, commonly used across electrical, utilities and industrial sectors for full-body arc flash and flame protection.

Bib-and-brace style arc-rated garments providing torso and leg coverage in a single piece, often chosen for additional coverage or ease of wear over other garments.

Head protection tested to arc-specific standards (e.g. GS-ET-29) combining impact protection with resistance to arc flash thermal effects, often paired with an arc-rated visor.

An FR/arc-rated polo shirt, commonly worn as a base or single layer in warmer conditions or lower-risk tasks requiring hi-vis/FR compliance.

Flame-resistant, arc-rated hosiery designed to prevent synthetic fibre melting and burn injury to the feet/lower legs in an arc flash event.

A softshell-style arc-rated jacket combining wind and water resistance with stretch and comfort, suited to outdoor or variable-weather electrical work.

An FR/arc-rated sweatshirt, typically worn as a mid-layer for warmth under other arc-rated outerwear or on its own in milder conditions.

Lower-body garments tested and certified to an arc rating, providing leg protection against arc flash and flame hazards.

Everyday work garments (jackets, trousers, coveralls etc.) manufactured to provide a certified level of arc flash protection alongside standard workwear functionality.

US test method for determining arc rating of face protective products (visors, hoods), often quoted with a cal/cm2 rating (e.g. 40cal).

From Open Arc testing (IEC/EN 61482-1-1). The incident energy (cal/cm2) a fabric can withstand before there is a 50% probability of a second-degree burn. Higher cal/cm2 = greater arc protection.

An FR/arc-rated head and neck covering leaving only the eyes (or face, with a hole) exposed, used to protect the head/neck area against arc flash and flame.

Garments worn closest to the skin (e.g. FR t-shirts, thermals) beneath arc-rated outerwear. Using FR/arc-rated base layers is important because non-FR base layers can melt or ignite even under compliant outerwear, undermining overall protection.

Large-scale battery installations used for grid or renewable energy storage; an emerging sector requiring arc flash risk assessment and appropriate PPE due to high fault currents.

Confined-space test method (IEC 61482-1-2) that replicates real-life arc fault conditions. Used to classify garments as APC 1 or APC 2. Required for energy suppliers, switchgear, medium/low-voltage plants and rail. Tests the full garment (seams, zips, fasteners), not just fabric.

When a fabric tears or splits during arc exposure, exposing the wearer's skin to direct heat. Some fabrics fail by breakopen rather than by ignition. Measured by EBT.

A fabric's ability to allow moisture vapour (sweat) to pass through it, improving wearer comfort, particularly important in FR/arc-rated fabrics which can otherwise trap heat.

The Cal Rating, measured in cal/cm², indicates the amount of incident thermal energy Arc Rated clothing can withstand before there is a 50% probability of a second-degree burn.

Unit of incident energy (calories per square centimetre) used to express arc ratings (ATPV, ELIM, EBT) and the results of arc flash studies.

Marking indicating a product meets EU health, safety and environmental protection requirements. For PPE Category III items (including arc flash and flame-resistant clothing), CE marking is accompanied by a four-digit notified body number confirming ongoing conformity checks.

Related to EN 1149-5. Describes how quickly static electricity dissipates from a fabric - a key property for antistatic-rated protective clothing.

The base colour of a garment, which may be dictated by hi-vis requirements (EN ISO 20471), company branding, or sector convention (e.g. orange for rail).

Facilities housing critical IT/server infrastructure with high-capacity electrical switchgear and UPS systems, requiring arc flash risk management for maintenance staff.

A formal document issued by a manufacturer stating that a product (e.g. a PPE garment) meets all applicable EU/UK regulatory requirements and standards, required to accompany CE/UKCA marked products.

The energy level (cal/cm2) at which a fabric develops holes (breakopen) that would expose skin to flame, even if it hasn't reached its full burn threshold. Reported when ELIM isn't available.

A luminous, high-temperature electrical discharge that occurs when current flows through air between conductors (or a conductor and ground) - the underlying phenomenon behind an arc flash event.

Work involving the inspection, repair, and upkeep of electrical systems and equipment, a core activity where arc flash PPE and safe working procedures are required.

The broad discipline of protecting workers from electrical hazards (shock, arc flash, arc blast) through risk assessment, safe working procedures, training and appropriate PPE.

From Open Arc testing. The incident energy (cal/cm2) at which there is no breakopen and no predicted burn injury. A more conservative/precise successor metric to ATPV under the 2018 revision of IEC 61482-1-1/2.

Material and design requirements for electrostatic protective (antistatic) clothing, preventing static charge build-up that could ignite explosive atmospheres.

Protective clothing against liquid chemicals offering limited protective performance (Type 6 light spray/splash protection).

Specifies UV protection requirements for clothing (often shown alongside a UPF rating).

Standard specifying requirements and test methods for garments providing protection against cold environments (thermal insulation), often relevant for arc-rated cold weather workwear.

Standard for protective clothing against foul weather - rain penetration resistance and water vapour resistance (breathability).

Standard specifying requirements for industrial safety helmets, covering impact and penetration resistance, often referenced alongside arc-rated helmet/visor combinations.

Protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes, covering protection from small splashes of molten metal, brief flame contact, radiant heat, and electrical hazards.

Standard for clothing protecting against heat and flame (radiant heat, convective heat, contact heat, molten metal splash), separate from arc-specific testing. Commonly paired with arc flash certification on FR workwear.

Standard for limited flame spread protective clothing, covering materials, material assemblies and garments used where there's a risk of brief flame contact but not sustained heat exposure.

High-visibility clothing standard, defining classes (e.g. Class 1-3) based on the amount and placement of fluorescent background material and reflective tape for worker visibility.

General term for European Norms - technical standards published by European standardisation bodies (e.g. CEN/CENELEC) that specify safety, performance and testing requirements for products including PPE.

Synonymous with live working: performing tasks on or near electrical equipment that has not been de-energised and isolated.

Electric vehicle production facilities, an industrial sector with growing arc flash and electrical safety PPE requirements due to high-voltage battery and drivetrain work.

General term for uncontrolled combustion; in this glossary's context, relevant as a secondary hazard that arc flash or flash fire incidents can cause, which FR/arc-rated clothing is designed to resist.

The cut and sizing of a garment (e.g. regular, slim, relaxed) affecting comfort, mobility and how closely it conforms to the body - relevant to both comfort and, in some cases, arc performance.

Describes a fabric or garment that resists ignition, self-extinguishes, and does not melt onto skin when exposed to flame or intense heat - a foundational property for arc flash and flash fire protective clothing.

A mid-layer garment made from (in this context) FR/arc-rated fleece fabric, providing warmth as part of a layered arc flash protection system.

Gen 2 refers to ProGARM's second-generation product developments, incorporating improvements in comfort, fit, durability and Arc Flash protection based on customer feedback and technical innovation.

Fabric weight expressed in grams per square metre (gsm); indicates fabric density, which affects warmth, durability and breathability of a garment.

A GORE-TEX partnership fabric combining waterproof/breathable performance with arc-rated protection - on arc exposure it forms a protective char layer that blocks heat flow and resists flame spread while staying lightweight.

Fabric loops or tabs sewn into a garment (e.g. at the collar or waist) to help emergency responders quickly remove clothing from an injured worker without excessive handling.

German testing scheme (DGUV/IFA) for electrician's face and head protection (helmets/visors) against arc flash, often shown alongside an APC classification.

An FR/arc-rated skull cap or liner worn under a safety helmet to protect the head and prevent gaps in coverage between helmet and other PPE.

A high-visibility fluorescent orange garment colourway meeting EN ISO 20471 requirements; the specified colour for UK rail trackside workers under RIS-3279-TOM.

A high-visibility fluorescent yellow garment colourway meeting EN ISO 20471 requirements, used where yellow is the required or preferred hi-vis colour for a site or sector.

An FR/arc-rated head covering designed to meet religious/cultural dress requirements while maintaining arc flash and flame protection compliance.

Electrical systems/equipment operating above the voltage thresholds defined as low voltage (commonly above 1000V AC in UK/EU convention), generally associated with higher arc flash energy potential.

The overarching European/international standard for protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc. Sets requirements for both the Box Test and Open Arc test methods and defines the APC classification system.

Common shorthand for the Box Test defined in IEC 61482-1-2, distinguishing it from the Open Arc Test in IEC 61482-1-1.

Fabric made from fibres that are flame resistant by their chemical/molecular structure (e.g. ProGARM's VXS+), meaning the FR property is permanent and cannot wash or wear out.

Outer garments tested and certified to an arc rating (ATPV/ELIM), providing upper-body arc flash and flame protection; often designed to be worn as part of a layered system.

Wearing multiple compliant garments together (e.g. FR base layer + arc flash outer layer) increases protection beyond the sum of each layer individually, since trapped air between layers adds insulation. Required layer count is typically determined by an employer's arc flash risk assessment.

The overall combination of base, mid and outer FR/arc-rated garments worn together to achieve a required total arc rating, with trapped air between layers adding additional insulating protection.

Garment measurement (e.g. sleeve, leg, body length) used to ensure correct coverage and fit, particularly important for maintaining continuous arc flash protection with no exposed skin.

Describes fabrics or garments engineered with lower gsm/weight to improve wearer comfort and reduce heat stress, while still meeting required arc/FR protection levels.

Carrying out electrical work on equipment that remains energised, rather than isolated/de-energised - a higher-risk activity that significantly increases arc flash and shock exposure.

Electrical systems/equipment operating at or below standard low-voltage thresholds (commonly up to 1000V AC); arc flash risk still exists at LV and should not be underestimated.

US standard for electrical safety in the workplace, covering arc flash risk assessment and PPE requirements - the American counterpart to European arc flash regulation.

Assesses protective clothing under an open (unconfined) electrical arc (IEC 61482-1-1), the type of exposure workers may face in real industrial settings. Produces the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV/ELIM), giving quantitative, globally comparable data on how much energy a fabric can withstand before a burn occurs.

The industry sector involved in producing electricity (e.g. thermal, nuclear, renewable plants), requiring arc flash PPE for electrical maintenance and switching tasks.

Equipment worn or held by a person at work to protect against health and safety risks, including arc flash and flame-resistant clothing, gloves, helmets and visors.

EU PPE Regulation classification (Category I, II, or III) based on the severity of risk the equipment protects against. Arc flash and flame-resistant clothing typically falls under Category III (protection against serious/irreversible harm), requiring notified body involvement.

General term for the level/category of protective equipment required for a given task, typically determined by an arc flash study or risk assessment and expressed as a required cal/cm2 rating.

Energy sourced from renewable resources (wind, solar, etc.); includes electrical infrastructure (inverters, switchgear, BESS) that carries arc flash risk for maintenance workers.

UK Rail Industry Standard (formerly GO/RT 3279) specifying high-visibility clothing requirements for rail trackside workers, based on EN ISO 20471 Class 2 and a defined fluorescent orange colour.

SafetyIcon™ is ProGARM's garment labelling system that provides clear information about Arc Flash protection levels, certifications, standards compliance and garment features, helping wearers quickly identify suitable PPE.

Bib-style arc-rated trousers with shoulder straps (no sleeves), providing extended torso/leg coverage, often worn over a jacket or base layer.

Garment sizing (e.g. numeric UK sizing, S-XXXL) used to select correctly fitting PPE, important for both comfort and ensuring full body coverage for protection.

An FR/arc-rated tubular neck warmer that can be pulled up to cover the lower face and neck, providing flexible additional coverage.

A facility that transforms voltage levels and switches connections within an electrical network; a common arc flash risk location due to high-voltage switchgear and equipment.

Electrical equipment used to control, protect and isolate electrical circuits (switches, circuit breakers, fuses); a primary source of arc flash risk during operation or maintenance.

A high arc-rating, full-body PPE ensemble (jacket, trousers/bib, hood and gloves) worn for high-risk live switching operations where the highest levels of incident energy exposure are possible.

ProGARM's ThermSafe™ technology is designed to deliver enhanced thermal protection, comfort and durability in Arc Flash and Flame Resistant PPE. It helps workers remain protected in electrically hazardous environments without compromising mobility or wearer comfort.

(Transmission) The part of the electricity network that carries high-voltage power from generation sources to the distribution network, a sector with significant arc flash risk due to high fault energies.

Fabric (often cotton) given a chemical FR treatment/finish after weaving; can offer good comfort but the FR property may degrade with repeated washing and wear over the garment's life.

A garment design combining two contrasting colours/fabrics (e.g. a hi-vis panel with a navy or single-colour body), often used for style, branding, or to combine hi-vis compliance with a less garish everyday appearance.

Describes a garment without an inner lining, typically lighter weight and used in warmer conditions or as an inner layer within a layered system.

Measures how effectively fabric blocks UV radiation (e.g. UPF 40+ blocks the large majority of UV rays), relevant for outdoor workwear.

ProGARM proprietary fabric: a flame-resistant fibre blend where the FR property is built into the fibre itself (not a chemical treatment), so protection doesn't wash out over the garment's life. Positioned as lighter and more comfortable than traditional aramid or treated-cotton FR fabrics.

Describes garments or fabrics (e.g. GORE-TEX PYRAD Stretch) that prevent water penetration while remaining arc-rated, important for outdoor electrical work in wet conditions.