arc flash clothing

[surgestopper]

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

 

[dpc]

There are thousands of electricians doing this all over the US. Some in higher ambient temps than you are dealing with.

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

 

[resqcapt19]

I wear HRC 2 shirts and jeans every day. I don't see any difference in the comfort level between the FR and standard jeans and long sleeve work shirt.

 

[catserveng]

I also work everyday in HRC2 clothing. Like anything else there are better and cheaper brands, I find the quality brands like Bulwark and Tyndale seem to be lighter fabrics and more comfortable, the work shirts we rent feel like tents, but I'm sure the rental company doesn't pay for a premium product.

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.

 

[tem1234]

As other said, we also work everyday (when on the field) with HRC2 clothing and there's no problem with that.

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.

 

[Zogzog]

Westex has a new interlock knit that feels like a comfy cotton T-shirt, very lightweight and breathes better than any other fabric I have tried. These are sold under the name Indura Ultra soft interlock knits by many different vendors.

 

[surgestopper]

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions. My plan now is to test HRC2 clothing from different manufacturers and fabric material to determine which ones are more "breathable". I'm currently testing the Indura Ultra Soft pants and shirts which are made of chemically treated cotton (a little warm in 70F temp but not too bad). I will next try the Nomex ones which are supposed to be lighter and not chemically treated. We'll see.
Thanks to all again

 

[marks1080]

Whenver I get new FR clothing I run it through the wash 4 or 5 times. Gets a lot of the chemicals out and softens it up. Probably derates it as well, but I don't wear it for safety, I wear it because I am told too.

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.

 

[Zogzog]

"I'm currently testing the Indura Ultra Soft pants and shirts which are made of chemically treated cotton (a little warm in 70F temp but not too bad). I will next try the Nomex ones which are supposed to be lighter and not chemically treated."

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

http://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.

 

[Zogzog]

Marks,

"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).

 

[resqcapt19]

Tem1234,
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.

 

[marks1080]

Zogzog:

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

 

[Zogzog]

AGO supplies several different manufactures PPE but they are known for the PBI Gold. Either way they are a good source.