PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AGAINST THE THERMAL HAZARDS OF AN ELECTRIC ARC
This standard was set up for clothing designed to provide protection against the thermal hazards of an electric arc.
Protection against the hazards of an electric arc can be tested in 2 ways:
IEC 61482-1-1: the “open arc” method
This test method is used in thee USA. This test method measures the ATPV value or EBT50. The ATPV value is the value (in cal/cm2) that predicts a 50% of protection against a second degree burn. The higher the value, the better the protection. In America, a minimal ATPV value of 8 is required for employees exposed to electric-arc hazards. The measured ATPV value is mentioned on the label. The HAVEP® 5safety Image collection has an ATPV value of 11.5 cal/cm8.
IEC 61482-1-2: de BOX-test
In Europe, 61482-1-2: the “box” test is used. A fabric sample is exposed to an electric arc produced by a 4kA (class 1) or 7kA (class 2) short circuit. In the test, the arc does not last any longer than 500 ms. The amount of heat transmitted through the sample is measured during and after the test. On the basis of the resulting data and a STOLL curve, the length of time it would take to cause the onset of second-degree burns is subsequently determined. Samples are also assessed for after-flaming, hole formation, melting, etc.
In Europe, 61482-1-2: the “box” test is used (the test method is comparable to 50354).
Besides fabric samples, a complete jacket also has to be tested. The objective of doing this is not to determine the energetic value, but to assess the jacket after exposure to an electric arc for defects in the seams, fastenings and all other accessories.
The requirements set in this standard
The model requirements for welder’s clothing (EN ISO 11611) are used in this standard.