Arc Flash Clothing Protection | Arc Rated PPE for Electrical Safety

ARC FLASH CLOTHING PROTECTION

Arc Flash Clothing Protection includes an inner protective layer combined with insulating outer garments such as jackets, sweatshirts, trousers, softshells and full-body coveralls, along with protective accessories including helmets and boots.

All Hand Helmet arc flash protection garments are made using premium materials and designed in accordance with arc flash safety requirements for reliable and secure use. These protective garments for electricians provide dependable arc flash protection, with visible markings suitable for different working environments and a range of distinctive colours.

Advantages of Using Arc Flash Clothing

Hand Helmet arc-rated clothing is designed to provide both safety and everyday comfort, allowing workers to perform their duties throughout the day without unnecessary discomfort. The garments are made from allergy-free, non-toxic materials that are easy to wash and dry without compromising their protective properties.

Arc flash coveralls are designed with waistbands, belts and buttons to provide a comfortable, form-fitting design and improved manoeuvrability. For additional convenience, they include multiple internal and external pockets for tools and personal belongings, allowing quick and easy access.

Hand Helmet arc-rated garments are constructed with triple-stitched seams to support durability, including after exposure to demanding working conditions.

Arc flash clothing is suitable for applications including:

• Data Centers

• Substations

• Energy sectors

• Cable maintenance and installation companies

• Electrical work in residential and industrial sectors

• Wind turbine maintenance

Hand Helmet arc flash clothing is tested and designed to comply with European Directives regulating PPE. Each purchased garment includes a traceability code and relevant safety certification covering arc flash protection, visibility standards, corrosive substance exposure and PPE regulations.

What Is Arc Flash?

An arc flash occurs when high-voltage electricity leaves its intended current path and creates a low-impedance connection with another surface, object or a person's body. This can result in the sudden release of significant energy and heat.

An arc flash discharge can be extremely destructive and may result in serious injury or fatalities because of the uncontrolled release of electrical energy. The temperature generated during arc flash explosions can reach up to 9,000°C.

Accidental Results from an Arc Flash

• Burns — non-fire-rated clothing can burn onto the skin

• Heat — temperatures can exceed 9,000°C

• Flying objects — including molten metal particles

• Blast pressure — upwards of 2,000 lbs/sq. ft.

• Sound blast — noise can reach approximately 140 dB

• Fire — which can spread rapidly through a building

How to Be Prepared for Arc Flash Incidents

Using arc-rated garments is an important form of protection in environments where arc flash hazards may occur.

Protection can involve a carefully planned layering system consisting of base, middle and outer arc-rated garments to provide increased protection.

One of the first factors to consider when selecting arc flash protective garments is the Cal rating.

Different arc flash hazard environments require different levels of protective clothing. Understanding the required protection level helps ensure that workers are provided with appropriate PPE according to the assessed hazard.

If there is uncertainty regarding arc flash clothing requirements, refer to NFPA 70E guidelines and applicable arc flash hazard categories.

Arc Flash Clothing includes several individual protective garments that may be worn separately or combined depending on the workplace safety assessment.

Polo Shirts

Hand Helmet arc-rated polo shirts are designed with long sleeves and a high-neck profile to provide improved coverage.

They are soft and tested for arc flash and flame resistance and may also be suitable as welding flame-resistant clothing.

In addition to protection, Hand Helmet arc flash shirts are designed for comfortable everyday use.

They comply with Category 2 ARC protection with a rating of 14.2 cal/cm².

Other electrical protection grades are also available depending on application requirements.

Coveralls

Hand Helmet arc flash coveralls provide general head-to-toe protection.

They are available in colours such as mandarin, safety yellow and navy and include highly visible reflective materials.

The PPE coveralls feature:

• Pockets for phones and tools

• Flap-covered pockets

• Knitted collar fastening

• Velcro-secured cuff tabs

• Adjustable waistband

• Hood for additional protection

The arc protection ratings available for Hand Helmet PPE suits include:

• 6 cal/cm²

• 8 cal/cm²

• 9.5 cal/cm²

• Higher ratings depending on requirements

Contact the experts at Hand Helmet for assistance in selecting the appropriate Cal rating according to the electrical hazard level of your workplace.

Trousers

Hand Helmet arc flash trousers are manufactured using arc-rated and flame-retardant textiles.

They are designed with flexible materials, reinforced stitched seams, kneepad pockets for improved knee protection, strengthened crotch areas and jean-style waist fastening.

Available arc-rating classifications include:

• ARC 4 Cal

• ARC 8 Cal

• ARC 25 Cal

• ARC 40 Cal

Jackets

Hand Helmet arc-rated jackets are designed with an inner fleece lining to provide additional comfort and a soft feel against the skin while also supporting use in colder working environments.

Each jacket is tested and certified for arc flash resistance and moisture management for outdoor applications.

Features include:

• Arm pockets

• Flap-top side pockets

• Stretch rib hem

• Comfortable form-fitting design

Available arc ratings include:

• ARC 4 Cal

• ARC 8 Cal

• ARC 25 Cal

Helmets

Hand Helmet arc-rated helmets are available in Class I and Class II configurations.

They are offered in standard designs as well as upgraded versions that can include a digital voltage detector.

The helmets are lightweight and ergonomically designed to support comfortable use throughout the working day without excessive irritation or sweating.

Available helmet configurations include:

• Integral helmets with hoods

• Helmets with visors

• Face shields with neck coverage

Available arc ratings include:

• 8.4 Cal

• 24 Cal

• 40 Cal

Insulating Gloves

Hands are among the areas most exposed when working near electrically charged surfaces and arc flash hazards.

Using the correct insulating gloves helps reduce the risk of electrical incidents.

Hand Helmet insulating gloves are available with arc ratings including 8.5 Cal and 50 Cal for work near electrically charged surfaces, including applications such as high-voltage switch opening.

A variety of insulating gloves are also available for use as inner and outer protective layers with different arc ratings.

These gloves can be combined with other Hand Helmet electrical safety garments and accessories such as boots and protective undergarments to provide additional comfort and burn protection.

Final Thoughts

Companies working around electrical hazards should follow the requirements stated on Arc Flash Hazard labels and ensure that workers use appropriate personal protective equipment, insulated tools and other necessary electrical safety precautions.

Workers should not perform tasks on or near an electrical circuit unless they are appropriately qualified for the work.

If you require more information about arc ratings, materials, available sizes or assistance in selecting suitable arc flash clothing and personal protective equipment for electrical workers, contact the experts at Hand Helmet.

Hand Helmet can assist in selecting suitable arc flash protective clothing according to your workplace requirements.

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