IEC 61482-2:2018 / EN 61482-2:2020 Protective Clothing Against the Thermal Hazards of an Electric Arc
Open Arc Method IEC 61482-1-1. This test method aims to establish the ELIM (Incident Energy Limit) ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) or EBT (Energy Breakopen Threshold) of a fabric. ELIM is a new value that was been added to the updated version of IEC 61482-1- 1, the Open Arc test method. This value (cal/cm2) is the highest incident thermal energy to which the garment can be exposed with a 0% risk of the wearer getting a second-degree burn injury. The ELIM rating usually has a lower calorific value than ATPV and EBT . ATPV and EBT are measured against a 50% risk of the wearer getting a second-degree burn injury. An ATPV value or an EBT value is determined by how the fabric reacts to the arc test. If a hole appears first, the value is set as EBT and if high heat passage is first, it will be ATPV. Both ATPV and EBT are also expressed in calories per cm2. The higher the calorific value of the garment or fabric, then the greater the protection for the wearer. The Stoll Curve is used in testing along with a graph of heat flux exposure times. The point at which the heat flux cross the Stoll Curve is identified as the point at which a human would feel pain and be at risk of second-degree burns.
Box Test Method IEC 61482-1-2 During this test, fabric or garments are exposed to an electric arc, stimulating typical exposure conditions for a short circuit current, confined in a box for 0.5 seconds, resulting in either an APC 1 or APC 2 classification. APC 1 & APC 2 (APC = Arc Protection Class) will replace Class 1 & Class 2 in the updated IEC 61482-1-2, Box test method. The values remain the same ie. APC 1 (formerly Class 1) is to a current of 4kA (400V, 168Kj) & APC 2 (formerly Class 2) is to a current of 7kA (400V, 320Kj) Garments can be layered to achieve an overall ELIM, ATPV or EBT Rating. For example, a thermal layer may achieve an EBT of 4.3 Cal/m2, and an outer coverall may achieve an ELIM of 13.6 Cal/cm2. However, the combination EBT/ELIM ratings will be greater than the sum of the two single layers, as the air gap between the two layers affords the wearer additional protection.
The new updated version of IEC 61482- 2:2018 has a new symbol, replacing the 2009 symbol. During a transition period, stock garments will have mixed symbols
ASTM F1959/F1959M-14 FABRIC ONLY TEST. This US Test Method determines the Arc Rating (ATPV or EBT) of a fabric or a multi-layer combination of fabrics. The test method is similar to IEC 61482-1-1. Pre-treatment may vary.
ARC RATED PPE
REQUIRED MINIMUM ARC RATING OF PPE/ CAL/CM2
1 ARC
4 CAL/CM 2
This standard specifies requirements and test methods applicable to materials and garments for protective clothing against the thermal effects of an electric arc event. An electric arc is a continuous electric discharge of high current between conductors generating very bright light and intensive heat. Two international test methods have been developed to provide information on the resistance of clothing to the thermal effects of electric arcs. Each method gives different information. To comply with the standard either or both tests must be carried out.
2 ARC
8 CAL/CM 2
3 ARC
25 CAL/CM 2
EN 1149: 2018 Protective Clothing - Electrostatic Properties - Part 5. Material Performance and Design Requirements.
EN 1149
EN 1149 consists of the following parts
This European standard is part of a series of standards for test methods and requirements for electrostatic properties of protective clothing. The standard specifies material and design requirements for garments used as part of a total earthed system, to avoid incendiary discharges. The requirements may not be sufficient in oxygen enriched flammable atmospheres. This standard is not applicable for protection against mains voltages.
design requirements.
EN 1149-1: Test method for measurement of surface resistivity. EN 1149-2: Test method for measurement of the electrical resistance through a material (vertical resistance) EN 1149-3: Test methods for measurement of charge decay EN 1149-4: Garment Test (under development) EN 1149-5: Material performance and
Electrostatic protective clothing shall be able to permanently cover all non-complying materials during normal use. Conductive parts (zippers, buttons etc) are permitted provided they are covered by the outermost material when in use. dissipative
EN 13034: 2005 + A1:2009 Protective Clothing Against Liquid Chemicals
tensile strength, resistance to puncture, resistance to ignition, resistance to penetration by liquid chemicals and seam strength. In the test for liquid chemical repellency and resistance to penetration by liquid chemicals, a bank of four test chemicals is given in the standard although the requirement is that the suit material demonstrates adequate repellency and resistance to penetration against just one chemical from this list Protective clothing certified according to EN 13034 needs to be re-activated by heating the garment after each wash
cycle and the garment must also be re- impregnated when necessary. Portwest recommends reimpregnation using a professional launderer capable of carrying out this process.
Performance requirements for chemical protective clothing offering limited protective performance against liquid chemicals (Type 6 and Type PB [6] equipment). This standard specifies the minimum requirements for limited use and re-usable limited performance chemical protective clothing. Limited performance chemical protective clothing is intended for use in cases of a potential exposure to a light spray, liquid aerosols or low pressure, low volume splashes, against which a complete liquid permeation barrier (at a molecular level) is not required.
The standard covers both chemical protective suits (Type 6) and partial body protection (Type PB[6]). Type 6 suits are tested using a mist or fine spray of water with a dye added to aid the assessment of leakage. The test subject wears an absorbent suit underneath the one to be tested, which absorbs any leaks and is stained by the dye. Success or failure is determined by measuring the total area of any stains on three suits and comparing this with the requirement. A range of other tests is specified, including resistance to abrasion, tear strength,
ATEX Directive The ATEX Directive defines what equipment is permitted in an environment where an explosive atmosphere may exist. Portwest recommends using garments certified to EN 1149 for added protection in an ATEX environment. Portwest garments have not been assessed under the ATEX directive which currently excludes PPE.
Important Notice: The garment Manufacturer Portwest, has been independently audited and our systems approved and certified to PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 Module D. Our scope is for the manufacture of flame resistant coveralls, jackets and trousers providing protection against heat and electrical risks.
303
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software