Arc Flash
Arc Flash Protective Gear & PPE
Arc flash is one of the most dangerous electrical hazards in any workplace. In a fraction of a second, an arc flash can release temperatures exceeding 35,000°F — causing severe burns, blast injuries, and fatalities. OSHA and NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace) require that any worker performing tasks on or near energized electrical equipment wear properly rated arc flash PPE matched to the incident energy of the task. That rating — expressed as ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) in cal/cm² — must equal or exceed the calculated incident energy for each specific job.
This category covers the complete range of arc-rated PPE required by NFPA 70E, organized across three subcategories and stocked as individual components or complete kits:
- Arc Flash Clothing — arc-rated shirts, FR coveralls, and FR work wear rated from 8.7 cal/cm² (CAT 2) to 43 cal/cm² (CAT 4). Garments include Chicago Protective UltraSoft FR work shirts, Portwest Bizweld FR coveralls, and CarbonX knit hoods for full-body layering.
- Arc Flash Gloves — rubber insulating gloves (Class 00 through Class 2) from PIP NOVAX®, with matching top-grain goatskin leather protectors and OSHA-compliant glove storage bags. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137 requires electrical retesting every 6 months — Safe-Fast provides certified retesting and recertification.
- Head Protection — arc hoods with integrated hard caps and face shields from Chicago Protective, available in 12 cal/cm² and 43 cal/cm² ratings, plus the Elvex ARC-Shield specialty face shield for arc flash hazard environments.
- Complete Arc Flash Kits — the 12 Cal. Arc Flash Jacket & Bibs Kit (AG12) and the 43 Cal. Coverall Kit (AG43) bundle every required PPE component into a single coordinated package ready for CAT 2 and CAT 4 work environments respectively.
When selecting arc flash PPE, always base your choice on a site-specific arc flash hazard analysis that determines the incident energy in cal/cm² at the worker's position. The garment's ATPV rating must meet or exceed that value. For guidance on compliance, equipment selection, or rubber insulating glove retesting schedules, contact Safe-Fast at 1-800-723-3620 or visit our Services page.
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Arc Flash PPE — Frequently Asked Questions
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.