BS EN IEC 61482-1-1:2019 - Protective Clothing Against Thermal Hazards of an Electric Arc

In the world of electrical safety, ensuring the protection of workers is paramount. The BS EN IEC 61482-1-1:2019 standard is a crucial document for anyone involved in live working environments where the risk of electric arc exposure is present. This standard provides comprehensive test methods for determining the arc rating of protective clothing materials, ensuring that they meet the necessary safety requirements to protect workers from thermal hazards.

Key Features of the Standard

• Standard Number: BS EN IEC 61482-1-1:2019
• Pages: 70
• Release Date: September 16, 2019
• ISBN: 978 0 580 93969 3
• Status: Standard

Understanding the Importance of Arc Rating

The arc rating of protective clothing is a critical factor in determining its effectiveness in safeguarding workers from the intense heat and energy released during an electric arc event. The BS EN IEC 61482-1-1:2019 standard outlines the test methods used to determine the arc rating, which includes:

• ELIM (Incident Energy Limit): The maximum incident energy level that protective clothing can withstand without causing a second-degree burn.
• ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value): The incident energy level at which there is a 50% probability of the onset of a second-degree burn.
• EBT (Energy Breakopen Threshold): The incident energy level at which the material breaks open and exposes the skin to potential harm.

Comprehensive Testing Methods

The standard provides detailed methodologies for testing protective clothing using an open arc. This involves simulating real-world conditions to ensure that the clothing materials can withstand the thermal hazards associated with electric arcs. By adhering to these test methods, manufacturers can certify that their products offer the necessary protection for workers in high-risk environments.

Why Choose BS EN IEC 61482-1-1:2019?

Choosing protective clothing that complies with the BS EN IEC 61482-1-1:2019 standard ensures that you are providing the highest level of safety for your workforce. This standard is recognized globally and is a testament to the quality and reliability of the protective clothing tested under its guidelines. By investing in clothing that meets this standard, you are prioritizing the safety and well-being of your employees.

Applications and Industries

This standard is applicable across various industries where live working and exposure to electric arcs are common. These include:

• Electrical Utilities
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Oil and Gas
• Telecommunications

In these sectors, the risk of electric arc incidents is significant, making compliance with this standard essential for maintaining a safe working environment.

Conclusion

The BS EN IEC 61482-1-1:2019 standard is an indispensable resource for ensuring the safety of workers exposed to the thermal hazards of electric arcs. By understanding and implementing the test methods outlined in this standard, organizations can provide their employees with the best possible protection, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing overall workplace safety.

Invest in safety and compliance with the BS EN IEC 61482-1-1:2019 standard, and ensure that your protective clothing meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

BS EN IEC 61482-1-1:2019

This standard BS EN IEC 61482-1-1:2019 Live working. Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.220.40 Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• 29.260.99 Other electrical equipment for working in special conditions
• 13.340.10 Protective clothing

This part of IEC 61482 specifies test method procedures to determine the arc rating of flame resistant clothing materials and garments or assemblies of garments intended for use in clothing for workers if there is an electric arc hazard.

An open arc under controlled laboratory conditions is used to determine the values of ELIM, ATPV or EBT of materials, garments or assemblies of garments.

NOTE 1 The user can, if he desires, classify the arc protective performance into arc rating protection levels based on ELIM, ATPV and/or EBT values which correspond best to the different hazard and risks levels that can result from the user’s risk analysis.

NOTE 2 This document is not dedicated to classifying the arc protective performance of the material and clothing into arc protection classes. Procedures determining these arc protection classes APC1 and APC2 are specified in IEC 61482-1-2, which uses a constrained arc for testing.

NOTE 3 This test method is not intended and not appropriate to evaluate whether materials or garments are flame resistant or not, as this is covered in IEC 61482-2.

Other effects than the thermal effects of an electric arc like noise, light emissions, pressure rise, hot oil, electric shock, the consequences of physical and mental shock or toxic influences are not covered by this document.

Protective clothing for work intentionally using an electric arc, e.g. arc welding, plasma torch, is not covered by this document.