[Latest Standard] GB 8965.4-2022 Protective Clothing for Electrical Arc Protection: Interpretation of National Compulsory Standards for Individual Safety Guarantee

Electrical arc accidents are an unpredictable danger in the power industry and related fields, and every year a large number of workers are exposed to the threat of electrical arc. In order to protect the safety of workers, the National Emergency Management Department has proposed and implemented the "GB 8965.4-2022 Protective Clothing for Electrical Arc Protection", which was released on December 29, 2022 and will be implemented as of January 1, 2024. This article will interpret the detailed changes of this standard.

GB 8965.4-2022 Protective Clothing for Electrical Arc Protection

"GB 8965.4-2022 Protective Clothing for Electrical Arc Protection" is a newly issued compulsory national standard, which mainly specifies the technical requirements for protective clothing that may be exposed to electrical arc transient energy and its thermal damage in electrical operations and related areas. The standard specifies the electrical arc protective performance, flame resistant performance, and physical and chemical performance indicators of the fabric (including woven and knitted), as well as the flame resistant performance and physical and chemical performance indicators of the lining.

In terms of electrical arc protective performance, the new standard refers to the test methods and requirements of the American standard NFPA 70E. Compared with this standard, GB8965.4-2022 has increased the minimum requirement value of level 1 electrical arc protective products by one level. Compared with the industry standard DL/T 320-2019, the new standard reduces the requirement for material burst threshold energy Ebt of level 1 and level 2 products. In terms of flame resistant performance, the new standard adds the index requirement of smoldering combustion. In addition, the physical and chemical performance index requirements of the fabric have also changed, including strength, shrinkage rate, heat stability, color fastness, safety and other aspects. Compared with the industry standard, the new standard adds requirements for pilling and moisture permeability, while eliminating the requirement for abrasion resistance index.

The release of "GB 8965.4-2022 Protective Clothing for Electrical Arc Protection" fills the gap in China's national standard system in the field of electrical arc protection, providing technical basis for individual protective equipment protective clothing equipment. The implementation of this standard will help regulate enterprises' safety production, protect workers' rights and interests, and conform to the interests of the country, industry and enterprises. At the same time, the new standard also fits the development requirements of the market, regulates emerging products, provides quality assurance data support for manufacturers, and provides test basis for testing institutions' projects. It is of great significance to China's individual protective clothing industry development and specific labor groups.

Through the implementation of "GB 8965.4-2022 Protective Clothing for Electrical Arc Protection", we can better protect the safety of workers in the power industry and related fields. The introduction of this standard will provide guidance for the research and development of electrical arc protective textiles in China, and improve the safety protection level of China's power industry workers. Let us pay attention to and comply with this standard together to contribute to the safe production of the power industry.

Tags: arcflash, electricarc, arcflashsuits