HAZCHEM Catalogue - Flipbook - Page 172
IEC 61482-2: 2009 & IEC 61482-2: 2018
Protective Clothing against the thermal hazards of an Electric
Arc
PPE Regulation Type: Category III
PPE certified to this standard is for use where there is a risk of an Electric Arc, most commonly where working with
electricity on open equipment or maintenance and switching work. Whist this traditionally has been regarded as work
in dedicated electrical environments, many companies now recognise that this risk can occur in many other industrial
environments including general groundworks and industrial maintenance. There are requirements not only in the
fabrics used, but in the Design and Construction of garments certified to this standard.
About IEC 61482-2: 2009 and IEC 61482-2: 2018
Garments will be available with both of these markings during the transition stage whilst manufacturers update
their certifications. This standard specifies requirements and test methods applicable to materials and garments for
protective clothing for electrical workers against the thermal hazards of electric arc based on:
• Relevant general properties of the textiles, tested with selected textile test methods, and
• Arc thermal resistance properties, such as
• The arc rating of materials (ATPV or EBT50), when tested with an open electric arc under defined laboratory
conditions according to IEC 61482-1-1,
Or
• The arc protective class or materials and garments (Class 1 or Class 2), when tested with a directed and
constrained electric arc under laboratory conditions according to IEC 61482-1-2.
There are two types of test methods for Electric Arc, each providing different results.
IEC61482-1-1 Open Arc Method
This test method gives an Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV) rating or Energy Break open Threshold (EBT50) rating.
This can be used in conjunction with risk assessments in workplace areas where there could be a potential exposure of
an arc flash incident to ensure that an accurate assessment of the required protective clothing is achieved. An ATPV
rating is the amount of incident energy that will give a 50% probability of the onset of 2nd degree burns without the
fabric breaking open. An EBT rating is the amount of incident energy that will give a 50% probability of the fabric
breaking open.
IEC61482-1-2 Box Test Method
This test method gives a protective classification of:
CLASS 1, 4KA – Lower level of Protection
CLASS 2, 7KA – Higher level of Protection
ELIM
In May 2019 a new version of IEC 61482-1-1 (2.0) is expected to be published. It will include a new, more conservative
type of arc rating for materials called the Incident Energy Limit Value (ELIM). As noted above, the ATPV and EBT
ratings are based on a 50% probability of a second degree burn – ELIM is designed to take out the risk of a second
degree burn/injury by helping to calculate a 0% probability whilst helping protect workers safely without increasing
other risks and preventing work.
For further details on ELIM, contact our Technical Support team and we will share further details or links with technical
advice.
RIS-3279-TOM ISSUE 1 (Previously GO/RT 3279)
Railway group standard
Railway Group Hi-Visibility Standard for the UK market, in addition to the EN ISO 20471 standard
and defining the Hi-Visibility Orange and the design of the garment (fully Hi-Vis Orange, no
contrast colour and defined placement of the reflective tapes).
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