EN 61482-2
clothing that protects against the thermal effects of arc flash
EN 61482-2 specifies requirements for protective clothing that protects against the high heat generated by an accidental electric arc. For certification, both materials and finished garments are tested according to Open Arc and/or Box Test methods to determine the protection level. The protection is stated using the energy values ELIM, ATPV or EBT and/or as protection class APC 1 or APC 2, where a higher value or class indicates greater protection against arc flash.
Read our guide on WORKING WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES
WHAT DOES EN 61482-2 MEAN?
EN 61482-2 is a standard for protective clothing used for work where there is a risk of exposure to an accidental electric arc, for example in the event of a short circuit or an electrical fault. The purpose of the protective clothing is to protect the wearer against the intense heat generated by an arc flash.
The standard only covers protection against the heat (thermal energy) from the arc flash. Other risks, such as noise, pressure waves, radiation, shrapnel and molten metal, must also be taken into account in the risk assessment.
To provide complete protection, garments certified in accordance with EN 61482-2 must be used in a way that ensures the whole body is covered. The protective clothing must also be combined with other appropriate personal protective equipment, such as a helmet, visor and gloves.
To be certified in accordance with EN 61482-2, both materials and finished garments are tested according to at least one of the following test methods:
- Open Arc EN IEC 61482-1-1
- Box Test EN 61482-1-2
OPEN ARC - EN IEC 61482-1-1
Open Arc is a test method in which the material is exposed to an open electric arc in the medium-voltage range (> 1 000 V) in order to measure how well it protects against the heat generated during an arc flash.
The material is exposed to arc flashes at different energy levels until the limit of the material’s protective performance can be determined. The result is stated in calories per square centimetre (cal/cm²) in the following arc-flash classifications:
ELIM (Incident Energy Limit) = the arc-flash energy that the protective clothing material can withstand with at 0% risk of a second-degree burn.
ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) = the arc-flash energy at which the probability of a second-degree burn is 50%.
EBT (Energy Break Open Threshold) = the arc-flash energy at which there is a 50% probability that the material will break open, potentially causing a second degree burn.
Using the Stoll curve, the final values are calculated. The Stoll curve is a scientifically developed limit curve that describes the combination of heat energy and exposure time that can cause a second-degree burn to human skin.
The finished garment is then tested with the arc-flash energy that the material has been determined to protect against. The purpose is to ensure that the protection works just as well in a finished garment as in the material test. After exposure, a visual assessment is carried out to check that the garment does not continue to burn (the after-flame time may be a maximum of 5 seconds).
Approved garments are marked with their ELIM value and the lower of the ATPV or EBT values. The higher the value, the greater the energy the garment can protect against.
BOX TEST EN 61482-1-2
The Box Test method uses a confined and directed arc flash that is created by a short circuit in an open cabinet in the low-voltage range (400 V). Just as with the Open Arc test, both materials and the entire garment are tested. The difference is that the test is carried out at two predetermined arc energy levels, which are given as APC (Arc Protection Class):
- APC 1 - 168 kJ (4 kA, 400 V),
- APC 2 - 320 kJ (7 kA, 400 V)
TRANEMO SKINSAFE™
Air has a low electrical and thermal conductivity. This favourable property is utilised by wearing several layers of arc-flash clothing. Thanks to the air gaps formed between the garments, the protection is significantly increased.
Our multi-layer system Tranemo Skinsafe™ provides greater flexibility, based on the risk assessment, when choosing the right protective clothing. As noted in NFPA 70E and based on experience from Tranemo Skinsafe™ tests, several layers of arc-rated protective clothing are an effective way to achieve the required arc-flash protection with a low overall weight. The use of a multi-layer system therefore provides greater wearer comfort and increases the likelihood that the arc-rated protective clothing is worn consistently.
THE ELECTRICAL & POWER INDUSTRY
Do you work in the electrical, energy or power industry and need guidance on which protective clothing is suitable for you which risks you need to protect yourself against?
Read more on our Electricity & Power page, where we have compiled risk analyses, information and product guidance.
PRODUCTS WITH EN 61482-2
Browse our products with electric arc protection.
EN 61482-2 APC 1
Browse our products with electric arc protection.
EN 61482-2 APC 2
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