IEC 61482-2

Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc

IEC 61482-2 specifies the requirements for materials and articles of clothing used to protect workers against the thermal hazards of an electric arc.

IEC 61482-2 does not include requirements for head, hand or foot protection. It does not deal with non-thermal hazards: electric shock, effects of noise, UV emissions, molten metal fragments (over 3,000°C), toxic influences, etc.

An electric arc is a constant high-current discharge that generates very bright light and intense heat. An arc explosion presents a very serious (and potentially fatal) hazard, due to the risk of severe burns caused by the intense heat (1,000 to 10,000°C). The arc can also present other serious hazards, such as very intense light, a powerful pressure wave, noise (up to 165 dB) and toxic fumes.

Interpretation of performance

Category 3 PPE, items complying with IEC 61482-2 have 2 performance classes:

Class 1 – Tested for compliance with a 4,000-amp arc,
Class 2 – Tested for compliance with a 7,000-amp arc.

For each class, at the defined power, the points checked by the tests to which the PPE is subjected are:

no flame propagation,
no heat transfer that could cause 2nd-degree burns,
proper operation of PPE closing systems after testing.

Professions

All activities during which workers are exposed to thermal hazards from an electric arc: electrical industry, electricity production and distribution, electrical installation and maintenance, electric and hybrid automobile jobs, etc.