Arc Flash Clothing Demand from Power Grids to Rail Transit

Cross-Industry Applications: Arc Flash Clothing Demand from Power Grids to Rail Transit

1. Industry Background

With the rapid development of power infrastructure and rail transit systems, high-voltage operations and live electrical environments are increasingly common across multiple industries. Whether in substations and distribution rooms of the national grid or in power supply and maintenance operations for subways, urban rail, and light rail systems, arc flash hazards pose a direct threat to worker safety.

Arc flash incidents are characterized by their hidden nature and high destructiveness:

• Instantaneous temperatures reaching up to 20,000°C

• Accompanied by shockwaves and molten metal splashes

• Can cause severe burns, blindness, hearing loss, and even life-threatening injuries

Consequently, cross-industry demand for arc flash protective equipment is rapidly growing, with arc flash clothing emerging as a core solution for ensuring worker safety.

2. Comparison of Arc Flash Risks Across Industries

From the table, it is clear that different industries prioritize different aspects of arc flash clothing, such as functionality and comfort, but safety remains the common top priority.

3. Core Requirements for Cross-Industry Arc Flash Clothing

High-Level Protection

• Match ATPV/EBT ratings to industry-specific risks

• Commonly used: 25–65 cal/cm² for power industry, 8–40 cal/cm² for rail transit and industrial applications

Full-Body Coverage & Modular Design

• Complete protection including jacket, pants, hood, face shield, and gloves

• Modular design allows ventilation and mobility

Lightweight, Comfortable, and Durable

• Rail transit workspaces are often constrained, requiring lightweight and flexible clothing

• Fabric is wear-resistant with durable flame-resistant coating suitable for long-term high-intensity operations

Standardized Certification

• Compliant with international standards: ASTM F1959, ASTM F2621, NFPA 70E, IEC 61482-1-1, EN ISO 11612:2015, EN 1149-5:2018

• Domestically executed according to DL/T 320-2019 and GB 8965.1-2020 standards

Ease of Maintenance and Management

• Machine washable or cleaned using specialized equipment

• Labels and traceability systems facilitate safety management and garment lifecycle tracking

4. Typical Application Scenarios

Power Industry

• High-voltage maintenance: energized busbar work in substations

• Distribution room inspections: partial live equipment checks

• Transmission line construction and emergency repairs

Rail Transit Industry

• Subway power system maintenance: catenary and feeder systems

• Urban rail traction substation operations

• Fault repair and signal equipment maintenance

Cross-Industry Extension

• Industrial automation high-voltage equipment maintenance

• Live work in petrochemical and manufacturing industries

5. Case Demonstrations

Power Industry Case
At a 500kV substation, workers wearing full 40 cal/cm² arc flash suits encountered a localized short circuit during energized maintenance. Only minor surface erosion occurred on the face shield, and personnel were unharmed.

Rail Transit Case
During an emergency repair of a subway power line, workers wearing lightweight 25 cal/cm² arc flash clothing were able to complete maintenance in confined track spaces while maintaining mobility and safety.

These cases demonstrate that properly selected arc flash clothing not only protects life but also ensures operational efficiency.

6. Conclusion

Arc flash clothing has become an essential protective solution across industries. With the proliferation of high-voltage equipment in power grids and rail transit systems, arc flash hazards are everywhere.
“Protection first, safety paramount.” Scientific selection, proper usage, and standardized management are key to minimizing injury risk across different operational environments.

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