It is a common misconception that electrical workers only require protection from electrical shock. In reality, one of the most violent and devastating threats an electrical worker faces is an arc flash. This phenomenon occurs when an electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the air, creating a plasma discharge that can reach temperatures of 19000°C (hotter than the surface of the sun). Because an arc flash creates a massive pressure wave and intense thermal radiation, standard flame-resistant gear is insufficient and specialised arc-rated PPE must be used.

Now Read: Arc Rating and Key PPE Definitions to Help You Make the Right Choice

Protection from Shock vs. Thermal Protection

An electrical worker’s PPE must provide dual-defence against the common hazards of the job: electric shock and arc flash. Insulating PPE refers to items with the primary role to prevent electric shock by stopping the flow of an electrical current through the body such as voltage-rated rubber gloves.

Unlike insulating gear, arc-rated (AR) clothing is designed to protect against the thermal effects of an electric arc flash. While flame-resistant (FR) gear might not catch fire and continue to burn, arc-rated materials are specifically tested to ensure they won’t break open or allow heat to transfer through the fabric to the skin.

The efficacy of this arc-rated PPE is measured by its Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV). This rating, expressed in calories per centimetre square ($cal/cm^2$), represents the maximum incident energy a fabric can withstand before the wearer has a 50% probability of sustaining a second-degree skin burn. The higher the ATPV, the more protective the garment.

Now Read: The Differences Between ATPV and EBT Ratings in Arc Flash PPE

The CHARNAUD® SURVIVE-ARC® Solution

The CHARNAUD® SURVIVE-ARC® range offers a comprehensive full-body solution engineered for these high-risk environments associated with electrical work. This protective wear is flame-resistant (FR) for the life of the garment.

Within the range, garments such as the SURVIVE-ARC® CAT 2 One Piece Coverall offers an ATPV of 15 $cal/cm^2$, providing protection for Category 2 (CAT 2) environments. Designed for both safety and comfort, it features long sleeves and optional FR (flame-resistant) reflective tape, ensuring the worker is visible and shielded from the devastating thermal energy of an arc event. By integrating these advanced garment designs with superior protection and comfort, the SURVIVE-ARC® range ensures that during an arc event, electrical workers remain protected.

Now Read: Arc Flash vs Arc Blast: Understanding Electrical Hazards and How to Stay Protected

Complete Your Electrical Safety Protocols

To fully equip your operations against electrical hazards, explore our full electric arc flash protective wear collection or visit the SURVIVE-ARC® coverall product page directly.

To cross-verify strict field compliance parameters, you can review the current international regulatory guidelines documented under the official safety updates for NFPA 70E, EN 61482-2, and SANS 724 on the official SABS website