Protection against electric arcs: The standard IEC 61482-2
Workwear that complies with the IEC 61482-2 standard provides protection against one specific hazard: the thermal effects of contact with an electric arc. These thermal effects can occur in various forms, such as short-term heat, burning particles or a flash fire. However, during an explosion that creates an arc, other dangers can also arise, such as a pressure wave or a loud bang that can damage your hearing. So protect yourself against these dangers. In any case, work clothing that meets the IEC 61482-2 standard protects you from the thermal consequences of the electric arc.
When does an electric arc occur?
An electric arc is always the result of a short circuit in an electrical installation, such as a connection box or switching station. In addition, a short circuit may occur after dropping tools in a switch cabinet. Although the chance of an electric arc is small, it is never zero. It is therefore wise to wear work clothing that protects you against the thermal effects of an electric arc.
The box test
An important requirement set in the IEC 61482-2 standard is that fire-resistant substances must be used. To determine this, the substances used are subjected to a test and the heat transfer must be limited. The European variant of this test, called the box test, is carried out at two levels, with one test leading to a classification in class 1 and the other test leading to a classification in class 2. This procedure is comparable to the procedure described in the standard EN ISO 11612.
The test is performed for half a second at a distance of thirty centimeters. For class 1, testing is done with a current of 4 kA (kiloamps) and for class 2 this is 7 kA: the higher the current, the heavier the arc. This arc lasts approximately 500ms, after which the melting of the substance, formation of holes and afterflame will be examined. If the substance meets all the criteria, it is approved.
In addition to the fabric, the manufacturing method is also tested. This determines whether the garment is so strong that the garment does not fall apart after exposure to the arc. The heat transfer is not measured here; it's purely about the fact of the work clothes remains intact or not.
Multinorm clothing that complies with the IEC 61482-2 standard
For Tricorp workwear that complies with the IEC 61482-2 standard, please visit our collection of multi-norm clothing.
Always ensure full body protection. In addition to protective work clothing from Tricorp, you should also wear facial protection and protective gloves.
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