Arcban Garments Protect Against Arc Flash

J and K Ross and Dupont Personal Protection have jointly developed the Arcban range of CE-certified arc-flash protective garments, made from Nomex. Following a risk-assessment study and the implementation of risk control measures, if it has still been decided that personal protective equipment (PPE) will also be worn, the correct level of arc-flash protective clothing will be provided. The Arcban range of garments has been designed to be layered to offer the relevant level of protection when required and to ensure that the worker is not restricted or compromised from cumbersome clothing.

J and K Ross and Dupont recommend that all the layers, including undergarments, are made of Nomex, which is an inherently flame-resistant meta-aramid fibre that does not melt, drip or support combustion in the air. The thermal behaviour of Nomex is a result of its molecular structure and not by applying a flame-retardant chemical substance to the fabric, yarn, fibre or polymer. This means that Nomex offers permanent protection that cannot be washed or worn away. The Arcban range offers head-to-toe solutions, providing various levels of electric arc protection, and includes undergarments and specialised workwear along with head and face protection that can be worn with appropriate face visors and helmets.

Flame-resistant (FR) clothing can be rated based on its arc thermal performance value (ATPV) in cal/cm2. To properly protect a worker, the ATPV rating of the FR clothing must exceed the calculated prospective incident energy caused by an electric arc flash event onto the worker at a given location. Layering the garments can help to increase the ATPV levels owing to the air gaps in between the garment layers. It can also help with matching the hazard and risk with the appropriately designed PPE, resulting in the wearer having more fit-for-purpose and comfortable solutions for the required hazardous environment.

For example, a person might choose to use the Arcban polo shirt and trousers as standard - everyday FR workwear because it is practical and comfortable to wear - and, when in a higher risk environment, layer up with a coverall resulting in the combination of these two layers providing higher ATPV values. To attempt to achieve this combined result with a single-layer fabric solution may result in the clothing being very heavy and uncomfortable to wear for a full shift. All the garments are CE certified and allow the user to select the correct level of protection for the risk, avoiding heavy and uncomfortable protection.

Chris Ross, managing director of J and K Ross said: 'Nomex is an established product and recognised worldwide for its flame-resistant and antistatic properties; therefore, it was essential to work with Dupont to develop this arc range and manufacture garments from Nomex. 'The garments are also durable and easy to care for and maintain,' added Ross.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Class I Division 2?

Image
A Class I Division 2 is a location: (1) In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or (2) In which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment. Class I Division 2 Classification Class I Division 2 refers to the ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard. This standard was previously UL1604 until UL recommended the newer ANSI/ISA standard be used and that all hazardous location products be certified under this standa
Read more

FUSE SIZING CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY MOTORS

Image
When selecting the proper fuse for short circuit protection in motor starting applications, it is important to not only ensure that the fuse will not nuisance open during motor start up times, but also that the fuse will coordinate as required with overload relays. When sizing fuses between 125% and 150% of the motor nameplate current, several advantages, including ease of coordination with an overload device, a smaller disconnect, and increased short circuit protection from a lower fuse rating, can be achieved. However, if sizing at this level prevents the motor from starting, it may then be necessary to increase the fuse ampere rating and it then becomes important to know the NEC sizing limitations. As of June 1, 2016, the US Department of Energy has mandated that newly manufactured electric motors will need to meet NEMA Premium® efficiency standards. As motor efficiencies increase, motor locked rotor currents can also be expected to increase. In addition to this, with across-the-lin
Read more

7/8 16UN Connectors that Provide 600 Volts and 15 Amps

TURCK announces new A-Size 3 and 4-pin 7/8 16UN powerfast™ connectors that provide up to 600 Volts and 15 Amps of power. These IP67 rated connectors provide a modular wiring system designed to handle high current applications for machine power distribution, while providing resistance to vibration commonly associated with conveyors, motors and material handling applications. The cordsets are available with a tray rated, exposed run PVC flexlife ® cable, with or without STOOW rating, and 14 AWG wires that allow you to replace hard wiring with a robust, quick disconnect system that saves the time and money spent installing a conduit system. The A-Size powerfast line offers male and female, straight connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. To make the system complete, fully encapsulated mating receptacles, with 1/2”-14 NPT mounting threads are available.
Read more