Understanding Arc Flash Protection Ratings
Arc-rated garments are tested to IEC 61482 / ASTM F1959 and assigned one or more of the following values. Check the product datasheet and your site risk assessment to confirm suitability for your task.
| Rating |
What it measures |
Unit |
ATPV
Arc Thermal Performance Value |
Incident energy level at which the garment has a 50% probability of preventing a second-degree burn. |
cal/cm² |
EBT
Energy Breakopen Threshold |
Incident energy level at which the garment has a 50% probability of breakopen. Used instead of ATPV when breakopen occurs first. |
cal/cm² |
EAPV
Effective Arc Protection Value |
Combined value used where a garment exhibits both ATPV and EBT characteristics; it represents the lower value. |
cal/cm² |
ELIM
Incident Energy Limit |
Maximum incident energy value reported under the applicable test method. Check the product certificate for the test method and result. |
cal/cm² |
Do not compare ATPV, EBT, EAPV and ELIM as interchangeable values without checking the applicable test standard and certificate. Always match the garment rating to the calculated incident energy in your arc flash risk assessment. A garment rated at 8 cal/cm² is not automatically suitable for a task with an 8 cal/cm² exposure without confirming the specific test result on the product certificate.
Shop by Garment Layer
Arc and FR protection is often achieved through layering. Use the links below to browse by garment type.
