| 40% of electrical incidents happen during routine maintenance | 70% longer lifespan vs leading competitor garments | 250k workers protected by ProGARM this year |
Maintenance Is Where Risk Is Highest
Data centres are designed to stay online. But even the most resilient facility still needs regular maintenance.
UPS testing, busbar inspections, PDU maintenance and generator checks often take place around live equipment and that’s where the challenge lies. Engineers are working close to energised systems, often under time pressure, in environments where fault currents can be significant.
For many teams, routine maintenance presents the highest exposure to arc flash risk.
“At 400V, a data centre bus bar can still release enough arc energy to cause fatal burn, in under 0.1 seconds.”
Don’t Underestimate 400V Systems
It’s easy to assume arc flash is only a concern on higher-voltage installations but in reality, the 400V systems found throughout most data centres can still generate dangerous levels of incident energy.
Add multiple transformers, UPS systems and parallel power supplies into the mix, and fault currents can quickly increase. That’s why every task should be supported by a robust risk assessment and the right level of arc-rated PPE.
A Practical PPE Strategy for DC Operations
Effective protection is all about creating a holistic system that works together.
For higher-risk switching activities, ARC 4 solutions such as our ProGARM GORE-TEX LABS PYRAD® switching suit provide high levels of protection without adding unnecessary weight or bulk.
Inherent fabrics, such as our ProGARM VXS+ blend, provide protection built into the fibre itself, so it won’t wash out over time. Layering base layers, mid-layers and outer garments can further increase protection while helping maintain comfort during long maintenance shifts.
OPERATIONAL RISK CHECKLIST
- UPS maintenance & testing
- Live LV switchgear inspection
- PDU & busbar work
- Generator load bank testing
- Transformer tap-changer inspection
- Battery string servicing
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
When an arc flash incident occurs, the consequences reach far beyond the immediate injury.
Investigations, downtime, legal claims and reputational damage can all follow. Just as importantly, incidents can have a lasting impact on the people involved and the wider team.
That’s why confidence in PPE matters. Protection should be there every time a garment is worn, not just when it was new.
Longer Life, Lower Cost
Procurement decisions are often driven by purchase price, but long-term value matters too.
A ProGARM independent cost-in-use study of 1,000 wearers found garments lasted an average of 43 weeks compared with 24 weeks for leading competitors.
For data centre operators managing maintenance teams across multiple sites, that longevity can deliver both cost savings and greater consistency in protection. By combining inherent arc flash protection with garments designed for the realities of modern electrical maintenance, ProGARM helps teams stay protected during the tasks that carry the greatest risk.