What is the Difference Between Lock Out and Tag Out?
January 12, 2023What EH Rated Shoes and what are their limits?
January 12, 2023Arc-rated and flame rated are terms used to describe the level of protection provided by clothing and other personal protective equipment (PPE) against electrical arc and fire hazards, respectively.
Arc rated refers to the level of protection provided by clothing and PPE against electrical arc hazards. Arc flash and arc blasts are potential hazards that can occur when electrical equipment is damaged or malfunctioning, and they can result in severe burns, tissue damage, and even death. Clothing and PPE that is arc rated have been tested and rated for their ability to protect against these hazards. The rating is usually measured in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm²) and is the energy the clothing or PPE can withstand before breaking down.
Flame rated refers to the level of protection provided by clothing and PPE against fire hazards. Flame-resistant clothing and PPE are designed to self-extinguish and not to continue burning after the ignition source has been removed. The rating of flame-resistant clothing is usually measured in terms of the time it takes for the clothing to self-extinguish after exposure to an open flame (usually measured in seconds).
In summary, arc-rated clothing and PPE are designed to protect against electrical arc hazards, while flame-rated clothing and PPE are designed to protect against fire hazards. Both ratings are essential in industrial and construction settings where workers may be exposed to these hazards.