Electric arc protection - PPE, selection of PPE, high performance PPE beyond class 2

Abstract

According to European OSH regulation and existing arc testing standards it is necessary for people in charge to select appropriate PPE in order to the arc energy level at the working place. The growing demand for arc protection PPE and its growing importance is reflected by high activity in standardization of arc protection PPE. That's why also the market is moving and presents costumer a wider range of products for all protection levels. The paper deals with special arc protection PPE which combine high protection level with high degree of ergonomics. It presents an algorithm and software tool for determining the necessary arc protection level of PPE for working places. Further more PPE will be presented which have an arc protection level beyond box-test class 2 to provide special protection for electrical work with higher risks of an electric arc e.g. switching operations.