Arc Flash Solutions

Arc Flash solutions from uvex

What is an Arc Flash?

An Arc Flash occurs when there is a sudden release of electrical energy through the air caused by a fault in an electrical circuit. This leads to a rapid rise in temperature and pressure between electrical conductors, usually causing an explosion known as an arc blast. This is capable of causing serious harm to anyone caught by it, so wearing the right PPE and knowing what you’re up against is a must-have when working in environments that have the potential for arc flash and blasts.

An electric arc, also known as an arc discharge, occurs when an electrical discharge or short circuit moves through the air. Voltage spikes, worn connections, cable strikes or gaps in insulation are just some of the reasons that an Arc Flash occurs.

The massive energy released in an Arc Flash fault gives off bright, intense light and thermal radiation with temperatures that can reach or exceed 35,000° Fahrenheit (F) or 19,400° Celsius (C) at the arc terminals. This can burn clothing and human skin within seconds, even if the operative is situated five or six metres away from the Arc Flash event.

Hot summer day: 100° F (38° C)
Surface of the Sun: 10,000° F (5,540° C)
Arc at arc terminals: 35,540° F (19,700° C)

An Arc Flash can result in an explosive pressure wave that can throw workers across the room and a sound blast that can rupture eardrums. It is also accompanied by a bright flash which can cause temporary or even permanent blindness. An Arc Flash incident should be recognised as a real danger to your team - uvex have a variety of PPE solutions to help protect your workforce.

uvex pheos E-S-WR

Helmets that are intended to be used in environments where employees are working with live or close to live parts need to be tested for electrical insulation using EN 50365.

The uvex pheos E-S-WR is ideally suited to electrical work with a fully enclosed helmet shell and certification in accordance with EN 50365 (1,000 Volt AC). The sturdy, rigid helmet shell also easily withstands pressure from the side, and fulfills all safety-related requirements for construction or industrial work.

✔ Suitable for use by electricians as helmet shell is fully enclosed
✔ Meets standard EN 397 and additional requirements for very low temperatures (-30 °C) and molten metal (MM) splash and is approved in accordance with EN 50365 (1000 V AC)
✔ Suspension harness with wheel ratchet for variable width adjustment
✔ Side Euroslot adapters (30 mm) for attaching earmuffs
✔ Shorter brim for a wider field of upward vision

uvex pheos E-S-WR safety helmet

uvex pheos K2P dielectric mounted earmuffs

uvex pheos K2P (mechanical connection)

Dielectric muffs for uvex pheos visor system
Mechanical connection
Extra-soft memory foam ear cushions
360° rotation for standby and resting positions
30 decibels insulation
Compatible only with uvex pheos visor 9906002, 9906005, 9906007

uvex pheos K2P (magnetic connection)

Dielectric muffs for uvex pheos visor system
Magnetic connection
Extra-soft memory foam ear cushions
360° rotation for standby and resting positions
30 decibels insulation
Compatible only with uvex pheos visor 9906003, 9906006, 9906008

uvex pheos visor

The uvex pheos visor can be locked above the helmet shell when not required, while the hearing protection can be folded back. Everything fits closely to the helmet and is perfectly balanced - ensuring maximum comfort and freedom of movement. There is no unnecessary weight to strain the muscles on the neck.

Visors coated with uvex supravision excellence are anti-fog (at least 16 seconds, norm requires 8 seconds) on the inside, while the outside offers extreme scratch and chemical resistance. The anti-fog coating is permanent and won’t wash off, even after repeated cleaning. The visors are also easy to clean and less susceptible to dirt due to the non-stick nanotechnology.

✔ Polycarbonate visors with uvex supravision excellence coating technology
✔ Available with two alternative mountings: mechanical levers or automatic magnetic locks
✔ Visors uvex pheos SLB 1 and uvex pheos SLB 2 can be combined with the uvex pheos E-S-WR safety helmet
✔ Meets standards EN 166 and EN 170, and also certified for areas of application 3 (liquids) and 9 (molten metal and hot solids)

uvex pheos visor 9906005

uvex pheos visor 9906006

uvex pheos SLB 1 (article number 9906005 and article number 9906006) visors are certified in accordance with GS-ET 29 as Class 1 visors for protection from electrical arcs (4 kA)

uvex pheos visor 9906007

uvex pheos visor 9906008

uvex pheos SLB 2 (article number 9906007 and article number 9906008) visors are certified in accordance with GS-ET 29 as Class 2 visors for protection from electrical arcs (7 kA)

HexArmor safety gloves

Gloves are a crucial piece of PPE for electrical workers and need to consist of high dielectric and physical strength, with flexibility and durability to mitigate the impact of an arc flash. The below gloves have been certified using the ANSI arcman test in accordance with ASTM F2675 and PPE selection standard NFPA 70E. The gloves are Categorised as Cat II Intermediate PPE under EU regulation 2016/245. These ratings are based on Hazard Risk Category (HRC) standards and the Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV). HRC is the safety standard that shows the minimum amount of PPE protection a worker needs based upon the potential exposure to a hazard, ranging from 0 to 4, with 4 being the highest risk. ATPV is the incident energy needed to cause a second-degree burn; this value is provided in calories per centimetre squared (cal/cm²).

Hazard risk category	Required minimum arc rating of PPE cal/cm²
HRC 1	4
HRC 2	8
HRC 3	25
HRC 4	40

HexArmor Chrome SLT® 4061

Arc Flash level 4 rating: lab tested in accordance with HRC ATPV at 46 cal/cm²
Goatskin leather palm provides a traditional style of comfort and grip
Full aramid liner for 360° cut protection
Slip fit cuff assist a quick on and off between tasks
Grip in dry or light oil situations
Available sizes: 6/XS to 13/4XL

HexArmor Chrome SLT® 4062

Arc Flash level 4 rating: lab tested in accordance with HRC ATPV at 46 cal/cm²
Goatskin leather palm provides a traditional style of comfort and grip
Stitched with Aramid thread
Full aramid liner for 360° cut protection
Extended safety cuff for easy on and off
Grip in dry or light oil situations
Available sizes: 6/XS to 12/3XL

HexArmor Helix® 2082

Arc Flash level 1 rating: lab tested in accordance with HRC ATPV at 8.6 cal/cm²
13-gauge, flame-resistant aramid and wool blend shell
Flexible neoprene/nitrile blend palm coating for superior grip and abrasion resistance
Launderable for extended life
Grip in dry, oil, or wet situations
Available sizes: 7/S through 11/XXL