What's the difference between FR and arc-rated?

Flame-retardant clothing resists catching fire. Arc-rated clothing is also tested against the heat of an electric arc and given a rating (ATPV or ELIM, in cal/cm²). For electrical work you need arc-rated, not just FR.

What arc rating do I need?

Your arc-flash risk assessment sets the minimum. Our range runs from ATPV 5 cal/cm² (Beeswift arc-compliant polo) through 8–17 cal/cm² (Orbit inherent FR arc range) to 48 cal/cm² (GORE-TEX® PYRAD® jackets).

Can hi-vis be arc-rated?

Yes. Our Orbit inherent FR arc range and the GORE-TEX® PYRAD® garments are both hi-vis to EN ISO 20471 and arc-rated to EN 61482-2.

Do insulating gloves need testing?

Yes. Air-test them before every use and have them retested periodically.

PPE for utilities, energy and electrical work

Where there's a risk of electric arc or flash fire, standard polyester hi-vis can melt onto skin, so the clothing itself has to be flame-retardant and arc-rated. Our range covers inherent-FR arc-rated hi-vis from Orbit International (polos, sweatshirts, combat trousers and coveralls), Beeswift arc-compliant garments, and GORE-TEX® PYRAD® arc-rated rain gear, with arc ratings (ATPV) from 5 to 48 cal/cm². It also covers insulating helmets and gloves for work near live parts.

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Head-to-toe kit list

Arc-rated and FR clothing

Orbit inherent FR arc polos (Hertz), sweatshirts (Basov), combat trousers (Morse) and coveralls (Oxygen); Beeswift arc-compliant hi-vis polo, trousers and long john; Orbit Velocity and Altitude GORE-TEX® PYRAD® arc-rated jackets and salopettes. All in flame-retardant workwear.

Head

Centurion helmets certified to EN 50365 for electrical insulation, including the Concept Linesman. See safety helmets.

Hands

Ansell Class 00 and Class 0 electrical insulating gloves to EN 60903, with leather protectors.

Feet

Safety boots. Footwear for live electrical work is certified separately as electrically insulating, so ask us if you need it.

Standards that apply

EN 61482-2 (protection against the thermal hazards of an electric arc, with ATPV/ELIM ratings)
EN ISO 11612 (heat and flame)
EN ISO 11611 (welding and allied processes)
EN 1149-5 (antistatic)
EN ISO 20471 (hi-vis)
EN 50365 (electrically insulating helmets)
EN 60903 (electrical insulating gloves)

Questions

What's the difference between FR and arc-rated?: Flame-retardant clothing resists catching fire. Arc-rated clothing is also tested against the heat of an electric arc and given a rating (ATPV or ELIM, in cal/cm²). For electrical work you need arc-rated, not just FR.
What arc rating do I need?: Your arc-flash risk assessment sets the minimum. Our range runs from ATPV 5 cal/cm² (Beeswift arc-compliant polo) through 8–17 cal/cm² (Orbit inherent FR arc range) to 48 cal/cm² (GORE-TEX® PYRAD® jackets).
Can hi-vis be arc-rated?: Yes. Our Orbit inherent FR arc range and the GORE-TEX® PYRAD® garments are both hi-vis to EN ISO 20471 and arc-rated to EN 61482-2.
Do insulating gloves need testing?: Yes. Air-test them before every use and have them retested periodically.

Other industries we supply

Rail & trackside Civils & construction Food processing All industries

Kit out your utilities & electrical team

Tell us what your people need and how many, and we’ll quote trade prices, packed per person, with your logo if you want it.

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