For protective clothing to be considered suitable for electrical workers, it needs to be made according to two standards first set up by the US’s National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These two standards are known as flame resistance (FR) and arc-rated (AR). CHARNAUD® explains what it means to be certified to these two standards.

The Importance Of FR/AR Certification

The terms AR and FR refer specifically to the technical quality a fabric requires providing protection against thermal hazards. As a rule, all arc-rated fabrics are also flame-resistant, but the opposite is not always true.

All fabrics used in thermal PPE must be flame-resistant, to protect against electric arc flash, flash fire, or molten metal. When a garment is classified as FR , it means that, once an ignition source is extinguished or removed, the fabric will not continue to burn.

Arc ratings require different criteria to be met. If a garment is AR certified, it means that it has the ability to protect the wearer against the onset of second-degree burns through the fabric, after an electric arc flash. The higher the AR, the greater the arc protection the garment will offer.

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CHARNAUD®’s Certified PPE Solutions

If your workers face extreme heat and open flame in their line of work, it is essential that they wear certified flame-resistant clothing. AR-certified clothing offers extra protection against sustaining burns and is necessary for electrical workers who face the risk of electric arc flash.

CHARNAUD® has developed several thermal protection ranges for workers in these three fields. CHARNAUD® FIRE-SAFE® is intended primarily for firefighters and is FR certified. CHARNAUD® SURVIVE-ARC® includes AR-certified gear for electrical workers. CHARNAUD® METAL-SAFE® is aimed at metalworkers and is FR certified.

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Contact CHARNAUD® Today

CHARNAUD® is a supplier of quality PPE for a variety of professions. We can help workers of all occupations to protect themselves against the hazards of their daily tasks. Contact us for advice and quotations on PPE for your business.

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