Arc Flash — ASTM F2675
ASTM F2675 measures the arc thermal performance value (ATPV or EBT) for hand protective items in an electric arc exposure. Gloves are tested as worn systems; published cal/cm² values help align with site-specific arc hazard analysis.
| Reported value | Meaning | How it is used |
|---|---|---|
| ATPV (cal/cm²) | Arc Thermal Performance Value — energy below which there is 50% probability of sufficient heat transfer to cause onset of a second-degree burn through the specimen | Compare to calculated incident energy for task; choose PPE with ATPV ≥ hazard where required by your electrical safety program. |
| EBT (cal/cm²) | Breakopen threshold when ATPV cannot be determined | Use per the test report guidance; often labeled alongside or instead of ATPV. |
NFPA 70E — Arc-Rated Clothing & PPE Categories (summary)
NFPA 70E provides a simplified approach mapping PPE Category to required minimum arc ratings for clothing systems. Always use the edition adopted by your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
| PPE Category | Typical minimum arc rating of clothing | Incident energy range (informative examples — verify tables in your edition) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 cal/cm² | Low arc flash hazard tasks per Article 130 tables (use engineering study for exact values) |
| 2 | 8 cal/cm² | Moderate hazard tasks; common for many energized tasks with proper work practices |
| 3 | 25 cal/cm² | Higher energy tasks requiring heavier AR systems |
| 4 | 40 cal/cm² | Very high energy — often requires additional controls beyond PPE |
Numeric links between incident energy and PPE Category depend on the NFPA 70E edition and the specific equipment/task tables—this site provides orientation only, not site-specific arc flash labeling.
EN 659 — Structural Firefighting Gloves (minimum performance areas)
EN 659 specifies minimum requirements for gloves used in structural firefighting, including resistance to heat, water, puncture, and ergonomics. The following is a high-level checklist of property areas typically verified by notified bodies.
| Property | Intent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance to water penetration | Reduce water ingress during firefighting spray/wet conditions | Assessed with flexing preconditioning per standard. |
| Heat resistance (radiant / flame exposure tests) | Limit heat transfer and afterflame | Includes specific time/temperature criteria in EN 659 test methods. |
| Puncture / tear / abrasion (minimum levels) | Mechanical durability during rescue and tool use | Combine with hand tool PPE policy on scene. |
| Dexterity & sizing | Ability to operate controls and tools | Validated via defined dexterity apparatus and size ranges. |
NFPA 1970 / NFPA 1977 — Ensemble context
NFPA 1970 covers certification of complete protective ensembles and ensemble elements for structural and proximity fire fighting. NFPA 1977 addresses wildland fire fighting protective clothing and equipment. Gloves are evaluated as part of the applicable ensemble performance and labeling scheme.
| Standard | Scope (summary) | Glove relevance |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 1970 | Structural & proximity fire fighting ensembles and elements | Certified gloves align with ensemble element requirements when sold for that service. |
| NFPA 1977 | Wildland fire fighting protective clothing & equipment | Wildland gloves emphasize thermal exposure, durability, and grip for long incidents. |
AS/NZS 2161.6 — Firefighters’ Hand Protection
Australian/New Zealand classifications distinguish glove types by firefighting role: Type 1 for structural firefighting and Type 2 for specialized high heat / proximity-style exposures per the standard’s definitions.
| Type | Role focus | Typical differentiation (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Structural firefighting operations | Balanced thermal, wet, and mechanical risks during interior attack and rescue. |
| Type 2 | High heat / external firefighting & liquid fuel fires (per standard) | Enhanced protection against certain radiant/convective exposures defined in AS/NZS 2161.6. |
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