Arc Rated Apparel’s History and What the Future Holds

Arc-rated clothing is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect workers against arc flashes and sudden and explosive electrical energy discharges that can result in catastrophic injuries. Arc-rated clothing is made from materials that can withstand the heat and pressure generated by an arc flash. Arc-rated garment materials have evolved, with manufacturers always designing new and better fabrics to promote worker safety. This blog post will look at the history of arc-rated clothing and what the future holds for this critical piece of personal protection equipment.

In Its Early Days, Arc Rated Garment Material

Arc-rated clothing has been used since the early 1980s when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) first enacted legislation requiring employers to protect employees against electrical hazards such as arc flashes. Cotton was the most common fabric used in arc-rated clothes at the time. Cotton, on the other hand, was not the best material for arc flash protection since it ignited and burnt quickly when exposed to intense heat.

Manufacturers progressively began to develop new materials more effective at protecting workers from arc flashes. Cotton and nylon mixes were among the first materials made available. This material was more resistant to ignition and melting than pure cotton and provided superior protection against arc flashes.

In the 1990s, a new material called Nomex was introduced. Nomex is a flame-resistant material made of heat-resistant aramid fibers capable of withstanding high temperatures. Nomex quickly became the preferred material for arc-rated clothing and is still widely used today.

Clothing Material Development Arc Rating

Since Nomex was introduced, manufacturers have continued to develop new materials for arc-rated apparel. These materials are meant to provide enhanced protection and comfort to personnel. Some of the most significant advances are as follows:

Flame resistance has increased

Standards for arc flash protection, like the materials used in arc-rated clothing, have evolved through time. As a result, manufacturers have developed flame-resistant fabrics such as Nomex. These materials can withstand even higher temperatures when heated and are less likely to ignite or melt.

Enhanced Comfort

Manufacturers have focused on increasing the comfort of arc-rated clothing and protection. Workers who must wear arc-rated equipment typically work in hot, uncomfortable situations. Employees will be more comfortable thanks to the development of new materials that are lighter and more breathable.

Enhanced toughness

Another critical point to consider when selecting arc-certified clothing is durability. Workers that wear this attire frequently work in high-stress environments that are difficult on apparel. Novel materials that are more robust and resistant to wear and tear have been developed, which aids in the extension of the garment life.

Outstanding visibility

Workers who operate in low-light conditions, such as at night or in poorly lit places, must also consider high visibility. Numerous manufacturers of arc-rated clothing have developed very visual materials, making it easier for employees to be seen by others.

What the Future Holds for Arc-Rated Garment Material

As the need for arc-rated apparel grows, so does the demand for new and superior materials. Here are some of the upcoming advances in arc-rated clothing material that we may expect to see:

Materials with Intelligence

Technology breakthroughs allow the creation of more innovative, more effective worker protection materials. Some manufacturers, for example, are developing materials that can detect the presence of an arc flash and instantly adjust to provide more protection.

Integration of Other PPE

As the need for integrated PPE solutions grows, we may expect to see arc-rated garment materials that can be readily paired with other PPE.