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Arc flash protective clothing is designed to save lives, but even the most durable garments have limits. Understanding how many wash cycles your arc-rated (AR) and flame-resistant (FR) garments can endure is essential for maintaining both safety and compliance.
Arc flash garments are tested and certified under standards like EN ISO 11612, EN 1149-5, and ASTM F1506, which assume the clothing retains its protective properties throughout its expected lifetime.
That lifetime depends heavily on how often and how correctly the garment is laundered. Improper washing—such as using bleach, softeners, or excessive heat—can weaken fibers and strip FR finishes.
Most FR fabrics are engineered to maintain performance for at least 50 industrial wash cycles under ISO 15797 conditions.
This benchmark ensures the garment keeps its flame resistance, antistatic protection, and fabric integrity through heavy use in industrial environments.
However, factors like water chemistry, detergent type, and mechanical stress can shorten or extend this lifespan. Regular inspection is critical.
Replace any arc flash garment that shows:
Thinning or frayed fabric
Faded or illegible safety labels
Burns, tears, or chemical stains
Reduced comfort or stiffness after washing
If in doubt, replace rather than risk—worn gear can’t guarantee protection in an arc event.
At DomexSafety.com, we engineer every FR and AR garment to withstand rigorous industrial laundering while meeting EN ISO 11612, EN 1149-5, and NFPA 70E standards.
Our fabrics retain their flame resistance beyond 50 cycles—ensuring long-lasting protection, comfort, and compliance.
