Arc protection products are classified based on the level of hazard they mitigate, typically aligned with incident energy levels (measured in cal/cm²). Below are the four major classifications, their specific products, applicable environments, and recommended solutions:
1. Level 1: Minimal Hazard (1.2–4 cal/cm²)
- Specific Products:
- PPE: Flame-resistant (FR) shirts/pants (4 cal/cm² rated), AR (arc-rated) face shields, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
- Equipment: Basic arc flash detectors, current-limiting fuses, and fast-acting circuit breakers.
- Applicable Environment:
- Low-voltage (LV) switchgear, control panels, and residential/commercial electrical systems where arc flash risks are minimal.
- Recommended Products:
- DuPont Nomex® or Protera® fabrics for clothing, UL-listed Class 2 AR face shields.
2. Level 2: Moderate Hazard (4–8 cal/cm²)
- Specific Products:
- PPE: Multi-layer FR clothing (e.g., coveralls + jacket), balaclavas, AR gloves, and insulated tools.
- Equipment: Enhanced arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), zone-selective interlocking (ZSI) relays.
- Applicable Environment:
- Industrial LV/MV (medium-voltage) systems, data centers, and manufacturing plants with higher fault currents.
- Recommended Products:
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective trim for visibility, Siemens Sentron AFCIs, current-limiting fuses (e.g., Mersen).
3. Level 3: High Hazard (8–25 cal/cm²)
- Specific Products:
- PPE: Heavyweight FR suits (40 cal/cm² rated), full-face AR hoods, and dielectric footwear.
- Equipment: Arc-resistant switchgear, optical arc detection systems, and fast-acting differential protection.
- Applicable Environment:
- Utility substations, oil/gas facilities, and high-voltage (HV) distribution systems with sustained fault energy.
- Recommended Products:
- Bulwark® 40 cal/cm² suits, G&L ArcGuard™ detection systems, ABB REA arc flash relays.
4. Level 4: Extreme Hazard (25+ cal/cm²)
- Specific Products:
- PPE: Custom FR suits (100+ cal/cm²), explosion-proof hoods, and double-layer gloves.
- Equipment: Active arc mitigation (e.g., arc quenching chambers), remote-operated breakers, and predictive analytics tools.
- Applicable Environment:
- HV transmission lines, arc furnace installations, and aerospace electrical propulsion systems.
- Recommended Products:
- Westex® Shield S® 100 cal suits, NASA-developed arc tracking sensors for aircraft, Eaton Arcflash Reduction Maintenance System (ARMS).
Key Considerations
- Standards Compliance: Ensure products meet NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584-2018, and ASTM F1506.
- System Integration: Combine PPE with active protection (e.g., arc flash relays) for layered safety.
For detailed product specifications, refer to manufacturer datasheets or standards like IEEE 1584.
