WG 15 - TC 78/WG 15

IEC 61482-1-1:2019 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.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2009. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- addition of the Incident energy limit (ELIM) as a further arc rating performance property value;
- replacement of char length requirement in the scope by indication that Procedure A is applicable for testing of materials meeting the limited flame spread requirements of IEC 61482-2;
- clarification of the definition and the meaning of the Stoll curve;
- modification of specification of positioning of monitor sensors with respect to the electric arc as function of intended high incident energy exposure of test specimens;
- modification of specifications of monitor sensor construction;
- specification of black paint;
- elimination of calorimeters from the chest of the mannequin;
- specification for possible positioning of mannequin(s) at a height different from the centre of the electric arc and possible turning in order to adequately expose all parts of the garment or clothing which would affect performance;
- more explicit description of requirements for data acquisition system;
- preconditioning of the samples;
- modification of requirements for apparatus and arc exposure verification by bare shots;
- more explicit description of test procedures A and B, in particular the subclauses dealing with “sequence of test”, “test parameter” and “test criteria”;
- addition of determination of arc rating values of garments and/or garmet assemblies.
Key words: Protective Clothing, Thermal Hazards, Open Arc, Arc Rating

IEC 61482-2:2018 is available as IEC 61482-2:2018 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 61482-2:2018 is applicable to protective clothing used in work where there is the risk of exposure to an electric arc hazard. This document specifies requirements and test methods applicable to materials and garments for protective clothing for electrical workers against the thermal hazards of an electric arc. Electric shock hazard is not covered by this document, which is applicable in combination with standards covering such hazards. 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. Protection of eyes, face, head, hands and feet against electric arc hazard is not covered by this document. Requirements and tests to cover electric arc hazards to these parts of the body are under development. Protective clothing for work intentionally using an electric arc, e.g. arc welding, plasma torch, is not covered by this document. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2009. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: new definition for ELIM, ATPV and EBT as used in accordance with IEC 61482-1-1:–; new requirements for the thermal stability of the intermediate layers; additional material requirement for volume resistance; new test procedure for the thermal resistance of sewing threads and a new symbol for marking.
Key words: Electric Arc, Protective Clothing, Arc Thermal Protection