Electrical arcing poses extreme danger to workers. An arc incident presents a number of different hazards, requiring specialist equipment in order to keep operatives safe.
Electric arcing occurs when electrical current jumps between two conductors. This can happen for many reasons including equipment failure, accidental contact with live parts, or carrying out live work on damaged equipment.
When an arc fault occurs, electrical current is discharged through the air resulting in multiple dangers. A huge explosion of heat, light, sound and shrapnel puts anyone working nearby at risk of serious injury.
Fire & heat
An arc incident can ignite a high-intensity, fast-spreading fire and heat generated in the explosion can reach 20,000°C. PPE needs to stand up to heat and prevent flame spread as much as possible.
The EN 61482 standards specify thermal hazard test methods for electric arc protective clothing. The box test method allows garments to be classified as either Class 1 (tested at 4kA) or Class 2 (tested at 7kA), whereas the open arc test method determines arc rating. Three arc ratings are applicable to protective clothing: ELIM (Incident Energy Limit), ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value), and EBT (Breakopen Threshold Energy).
Protective clothing that meets the ISO 11612 standard is tested for flame spread, heat performance and molten metal splash. The standard includes optional requirements for protection against the thermal effects of an electric arc event and prediction of injury by burns.
GS-ET-29 sets out testing requirements applicable to faceshields for electrical works, including thermal protection and additional light transmittance requirements. Faceshields tested to American standard ASTM F2178 are assigned an Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) expressed in cal/cm2.
Electric arcing poses a severe danger to workers, with the potential to cause life-changing injuries or fatalities. An arc incident occurs when electrical current jumps between two conductors, often caused by equipment failure, accidental contact with live components, or live work on damaged systems. The resulting arc fault releases intense energy in the form of heat, light, sound, and flying debris, all of which present distinct risks.
Fire and Heat Hazards
The temperature during an arc explosion can reach up to 20,000°C. This extreme heat can ignite fires and cause severe burns. Protective clothing must resist flame spread and withstand high temperatures.
EN 61482 covers thermal hazard protection for electric arc incidents.
The Box Test Method classifies garments as:
Class 1 (tested at 4kA)
Class 2 (tested at 7kA)
The Open Arc Test Method determines the arc rating of garments based on three values:
ELIM (Incident Energy Limit)
ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value)
EBT (Breakopen Threshold Energy)
ISO 11612 specifies testing for flame spread, heat resistance, and molten metal splash.
It includes optional tests for protection against electric arc-related thermal effects and burn injury prediction.
GS-ET-29 outlines test methods for arc-rated faceshields, including thermal protection and light transmittance requirements.
ASTM F2178 (an American standard) applies to arc-rated faceshields and assigns an ATPV value in cal/cm².
Impact Hazards
An arc blast releases particles at high speed, including molten metal and fragments from damaged equipment. These pose a serious threat to the eyes and skin.
Arc-rated faceshields are tested for impact resistance to ensure protection against flying debris in addition to thermal hazards.
Noise Hazards
Arc blasts can exceed 140 dB, creating dangerously high impulse noise levels.
Hearing protection, although not always capable of fully reducing the sound to safe levels, helps minimise exposure.
Ear plugs are generally favoured over ear defenders as they don’t contain conductive materials and are safer in environments with arc risk.
Light Radiation Hazards
Electric arcs emit intense ultraviolet (UV) and visible light that can cause permanent vision damage, including blindness.
GS-ET-29 includes requirements for:
Visible light transmittance
UV filtering
Faceshields are rated by performance class to ensure suitable protection
Key Safety Measures
Arc incidents can have devastating consequences. To reduce the risk:
Conduct thorough risk assessments
Avoid live work where possible
Inspect and maintain equipment regularly
Provide ongoing training for all workers
Use PPE certified to relevant standards for complete protection
Key Points:
Electric arc faults pose multiple hazards including heat, impact, noise, and intense light.
PPE must be tested to standards such as EN 61482, ISO 11612, GS-ET-29, and ASTM F2178.
Protective clothing and faceshields should offer thermal, impact, and UV protection.
Avoiding live work, equipment maintenance, and worker training are essential control measures.
Hearing protection and proper PPE selection are critical for safe working environments.
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