Arc flash PPE is specialized protective equipment designed to shield workers from the intense thermal energy, blast pressure, and molten metal produced during an electrical arc flash event. OSHA and NFPA 70E require it for any qualified electrical worker — electricians, maintenance technicians, electrical engineers, and utility workers — who performs tasks on or near energized electrical equipment at 50 volts or higher. Employers must conduct an arc flash hazard analysis for each task and provide PPE with an ATPV rating equal to or greater than the calculated incident energy at the worker's position.

The required cal/cm² rating is determined by your site's arc flash hazard analysis, which calculates the incident energy at the worker's working distance for each specific task. NFPA 70E defines four PPE categories as a general guide:

• PPE Category 1 — 4 cal/cm² minimum: panelboards rated 240V and below, limited to 10 kA available fault current.
• PPE Category 2 — 8 cal/cm² minimum: most common electrical maintenance tasks on 480V switchboards, motor control centers, and panelboards.
• PPE Category 3 — 25 cal/cm² minimum: 600V class switchgear, bus work, and medium-voltage equipment up to 15 kV.
• PPE Category 4 — 40 cal/cm² minimum: substations, medium-voltage switchgear, and high-energy electrical equipment.

Safe-Fast stocks arc flash gear from 8.7 cal/cm² (CAT 2) through 43 cal/cm² (CAT 4). Always confirm your task-specific hazard analysis before selecting a garment — PPE category tables are a starting point, not a substitute for a full incident energy study.

ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) measures — in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm²) — the amount of thermal energy a fabric can absorb before a worker has a 50% probability of receiving a second-degree burn. It is specific to arc flash testing under ASTM F1506 and must appear on the garment label.

A standard FR (Flame Resistant) rating means only that the fabric will self-extinguish after a flame is removed. Not all FR clothing carries an arc rating. For energized electrical work, NFPA 70E requires a garment with a published ATPV or EBT (Energy Breakopen Threshold) value — a general FR label alone does not satisfy arc flash PPE requirements. All arc-rated clothing in this category carries a certified ATPV on the label.

Both kits from Chicago Protective are designed to meet NFPA 70E requirements as a complete, coordinated PPE assembly:

The 12 Cal. Arc Flash Jacket & Bibs Kit (AG12) includes: arc-rated jacket and bib overalls, hard cap, face shield with chin cup, cap bracket, knit Nomex hood, 11" Class 0 rubber insulating gloves, 10" leather protector gloves, 12" glove bag, gear bag, safety glasses, and ear plugs.

The 43 Cal. Coverall Kit (AG43) includes: arc-rated coverall, hood, hard cap, 14" Class 2 rubber insulating gloves, leather protector gloves, 15" glove bag, gear bag, safety glasses, and ear plugs.

Kits ensure all components are rated and compatible with one another. They are the fastest path to full NFPA 70E compliance for workers entering a new arc flash PPE category.

Rubber insulating gloves are classified by ASTM D120 according to maximum use voltage. Select the class that meets or exceeds the nominal system voltage of the equipment you are working on:

• Class 00: up to 500V AC / 750V DC
• Class 0: up to 1,000V AC / 1,500V DC
• Class 1: up to 7,500V AC / 11,250V DC
• Class 2: up to 17,000V AC / 25,500V DC

Rubber insulating gloves must always be worn with leather protector gloves to prevent puncture. Per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137, they must be electrically retested every 6 months and visually inspected before every use. Safe-Fast provides certified rubber insulating glove retesting — request a retest quote here.

Not if it contains synthetic fibers. NFPA 70E Article 130.7 requires that every garment worn under arc-rated PPE be non-melting. Polyester, nylon, acetate, and rayon fabrics can melt and adhere to skin during an arc flash, dramatically worsening burn injuries — even when covered by an outer arc-rated layer.

Acceptable underlayers include 100% cotton, 100% wool, and FR-treated fabrics. For full compliance, wear an arc-rated or all-natural fiber base layer under your arc-rated outer garments. See our FR shirts for arc-rated base layer options.

Arc-rated clothing: machine wash warm (up to 140°F) with standard detergent. Do not use chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide bleach, fabric softeners, or starch — all can degrade arc protection. Tumble dry low or hang to dry. If the garment becomes contaminated with flammable substances (fuel, oil, grease) that cannot be removed by laundering, remove it from service. Always follow the care label on each specific garment.

Rubber insulating gloves: store away from heat, direct sunlight, ozone sources (electric motors), and solvents. Keep in the provided glove bag when not in use. Inspect before every use — any cut, puncture, or surface crack requires immediate removal from service. Arc hoods and face shields should be stored in the arc flash gear storage bag to prevent scratching of face shield lenses.

Yes — Safe-Fast provides compliance services beyond PPE supply:

• Rubber Insulating Glove Certification & Retesting — OSHA requires electrical retesting every 6 months. Safe-Fast provides certified testing with dated certification tags. Request a retest quote.
• Safety Training — NFPA 70E electrical safety awareness and qualified worker training programs.
• Inventory Management — automated replenishment to keep arc flash PPE stocked and in compliance across your facility.
• Custom PPE Printing — name, company logo, or job-site ID printed on arc-rated garments.

Call 1-800-723-3620 to speak with a Safe-Fast safety specialist.