IEC 61482-2 – Protection Against Electric Arc Hazards
Overview
EC 61482 defines the performance requirements and testing methods for protective clothing and materials used in environments with electric arc exposure. The standard ensures that certified fabrics minimize the risk of second-degree burns, fabric break-open, and thermal injury when exposed to the intense heat and energy of an arc flash.
This standard applies to both finished garments and the fabrics used in their construction. Two main test methods are included under this standard:
IEC 61482-1-1 (Open Arc Test): Determines the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) or Energy Breakopen Threshold (EBT).
IEC 61482-1-2 (Box Test): Measures arc protection using a confined, directed arc. This method classifies performance into two protection levels:
- Class 1: Protection against arc current of 4 kA.
- Class 2: Protection against arc current of 7 kA.
Testing Methods
Testing Methods & Minimum Performance Levels
| Test Method | Description | Requirements | Min. Performance Level |
| ASTM F1959 / IEC 61482-1-1 | Open Arc Test (ATPV or EBT)
Measures the energy level that causes fabric to break open or reach a second-degree burn threshold. |
|
no fixed pass level |
| IEC 61482-1-2 | Box Test Directed arc exposure simulating real-world electrical cabinet fault |
|
Class 1 Class 2 |
Additional Mechanical & Dimensional Tests
| Test Method | Description | Requirements |
| ISO 5077 | Dimensional Stability to Washing Determines shrinkage or growth of the fabric after domestic laundering. |
±5% (knitted) |
| ISO 13934-1 | Tensile Strength (Strip Method) Measures the maximum force needed to break a strip of fabric in warp and weft directions. |
|
| ISO 13937-2 | Tear Strength (Wing Method)
Evaluates resistance to tearing using a trapezoidal-shaped cut and applying load to propagate it. |
|
| ISO 13938-1 Hydraulic Method | Bursting Strength Tests bursting strength using a hydraulic system. |
|
| ISO 13938-2 Pneumatic Method | Bursting Strength Similar to 13938-1 but uses compressed air (pneumatic pressure) instead of liquid. |
|
Industries & Applications
- Electric and Utility Services
- Railways and Transportation
- Construction and Heavy Industry
- Industrial FR Workwear