PPE - Arc-fault-tested protective clothing with increased protective effect

Abstract

Section 8.3 “Calculation of expected and equivalent arc energy for selecting box test protection class” of the “Guideline for the selection of personal protective equipment when exposed to the thermal effects of an electric fault arc” published by the ISSA (International Social Security Association) describes applications where class 1 or 2 PPE is not sufficient. To allow work in such cases, either; Protective devices which ensures defined and sufficiently quick disconnection must be used or; A sufficient minimum distance must be maintained or; PPE tested for higher incident energies must be used. This article presents applications where tested PPE for thermal incident energies exceeding class 2 achieves the required arc protection level at the work location in line with the above mentioned guideline. In addition to selection aids, test procedures and test results of PPE for increased thermal incident energies exceeding class 2 are described.