arc flash clothing
arc flash clothing
(OP)
Hello all,
New to the forum so not sure if this is the place to ask but here it goes: Has anyone have the experience of wearing an arc flash rated clothing (category 2 or less) for an 8-hour period? It seems to me the wearer would get hot over time as the clothing material is normally thicker than say blue jeans or flanel shirts. I work indoors testing transformers less than 600V and with ambient temperatures that range from 70-100F. NFPA 70E requires (or recommends?) arc flash clothing for workers exposed to live circuits. Any comments are appreciated!Thanks
New to the forum so not sure if this is the place to ask but here it goes: Has anyone have the experience of wearing an arc flash rated clothing (category 2 or less) for an 8-hour period? It seems to me the wearer would get hot over time as the clothing material is normally thicker than say blue jeans or flanel shirts. I work indoors testing transformers less than 600V and with ambient temperatures that range from 70-100F. NFPA 70E requires (or recommends?) arc flash clothing for workers exposed to live circuits. Any comments are appreciated!Thanks






RE: arc flash clothing
Are the shirts hotter than a normal work shirt? Yes, especially since it has to be long-sleeved.
The material in the shirts is not heavier than jeans or a flannel shirt, IMO. I wear an 8 cal/cm2 shirt for field work. We work with electricians and test engineers who wear 8 cal/cm2 clothing - minimum all the time. They seem to be handling it OK.
Look at it this way, if you have to wear the PPE, at least it means you have a job.
Cheers,
Dave
RE: arc flash clothing
RE: arc flash clothing
I work in the southwest and end up in the desert areas a lot, we have survived the transition and no one I work with seems the worse for it.
Hope that helps.
RE: arc flash clothing
The problem is when you must use the faceshield or the hood. For 15 min., it's ok, but for long time it can become a real pain. This is really hot and I often have mist problem with the lense. Also, i think you're losing a part of your agility since your vision isn't as clear as without the lense, even if the lense is very well made. But your face is often one of the most exposed part of your body, it's important protect it.
RE: arc flash clothing
RE: arc flash clothing
Thanks to all again
RE: arc flash clothing
People have told me that 100% cotton material is almost or just as effective as arc flash (chemically treated) clothing.
We get ours from a company called AGO. I have a few light shirts (long sleeve of course) that I find tolerable in the summer.
RE: arc flash clothing
There are many different indura ultra soft fabrics, like I said, you won't find anything lighter than the interlock knit. You can request a sample at www.westexinc.com
Nomex is not treated, the nomex fibers are inherently FR and are good for harsh environments where chemical exposure is an issue. While nomex IIIA is lightweight it is scratchy on the skin and some people have reactions to it.
RE: arc flash clothing
"People have told me that 100% cotton material is almost or just as effective as arc flash (chemically treated) clothing."
Why is it that nearly every sentence that begins with "people have told me" is incorrect? 100% cotton will burst into flames at 5cal/cm2 or less, depending on the threadcount and weave. No where near the protection from that arc rated clothing you are "told to wear".
"We get ours from a company called AGO. I have a few light shirts (long sleeve of course) that I find tolerable in the summer. "
Most of what AGO sells is PBI gold, which is one of the best, lightest, and expensive materials on the market. It uses FR treated cotton with a Kevlar blend that gives it fantastic EBT (Energy Breakeopen Threshold) ratings (Which should be part of the arc flash clothing requirements but is not).
RE: arc flash clothing
The next time you buy a hood, try one with a battery powered fan built in. It really helps for the heat and the lens fogging problem.
RE: arc flash clothing
I guess I am lucky with the AGO gear supplied to us. I've never had any major issues with it myself.
I can't help you with why statments beginning with "people have told me" are usually wrong, but I appreciate what you are saying :)
RE: arc flash clothing