What kind of Arc flash suits meet NFPA 70E requirements?

Most users of NFPA 70E have begun to use coveralls or full FR uniforms with 5-10 cal/cm2 Arc Ratings and are adding a hood, faceshield or coverall or a full switching suit when needed. Others are using arc resistant raingear with a hood or a faceshield when required to meet the standard. Choose the best option for your industry, but use NFPA 70E to protect electrical workers from the hazards of electric arc, and you have won half of the battle. Kevlar/PBI, Tuffweld, Proban, Indura UltraSoft and Nomex IIIA are registered trademarks.

8cal arc flash protective coverall

NFPA 70E requires the following for flash suits

• Arc Resistant Shield. "The entire flash suit, including the window, shall have energy absorbing characteristics"
• Manufacturer's Instructions. The garment manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance of FR apparel
• F1506‐1998 compliant garments (some still use F1506‐1998 but F1506‐2000 is better)
• FR thread
• Full body protection for the Hazard/Risk Category hood/faceshield assembly
• Some confusion of whether you use "flash pants" or "flash bib". Either could be ok. I prefer a bib since the openness of the jacket could allow flames up onto the body. NFPA standards are not supposed to be design restrictive. Many companies are using a long coat and leggings for ease of donning and doffing. This could meet the "intent" of the standard but the wording seems to require bib (or pant) and jacket.
• Double Layer switching suit (this should not be taken literally since it was the most commonly available when the standard was issued. Many of the suits are multi‐layer and some are single layer. Performance and coverage of the design, along with breathability of the suit should be considered. Heat stress and oxygen depletion (in the hood) have been an issue in some of the compliant suits).
• Arc Rating (ATPV or EBT tested in accordance with ASTM PS58 which is superceded by ASTM F1959 and is no longer published. Some have tested at 12,000 Amps in accordance with PS58 but this gives higher ATPV and EBT values which would not be supported by testing according to the latest standard and following best practices in arc testing). I recommend data based on 8,000 Amps testing only. If in doubt, ask the manufacturer for a data report. Some have them on their websites now. You may not be able to compare PS58 data with the newer F1959 data. The new standard is more conservative.

33cal arc flash robe

C&G safety are manufacturer of Arc Flash Clothing, our arc flash products comply with NFPA 70E, ASTM F1959 standards. As Dupont Strategic partner in China Mainland, we're able to supply a full serials of arc flash clothing, from 1 to 4. C&G safety is also the supplier of many China power supply bureaus especially China Southern Power Grid for electric protective garments and other workwears.

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