English
Choosing arc flash PPE is not about guessing or over-protecting — it is about matching protection to real electrical risk. NFPA 70E is the most widely used standard for electrical safety in the workplace, providing a structured method to assess arc flash hazards and select appropriate PPE.
Understanding NFPA 70E helps safety managers, engineers, and buyers make informed decisions that protect workers without unnecessary complexity.
NFPA 70E is a workplace electrical safety standard that focuses on safe work practices, not garment testing. It provides guidance on how to:
Identify electrical hazards
Perform arc flash risk assessments
Select appropriate arc-rated PPE
It is widely adopted in electrical utilities, manufacturing plants, and industrial facilities worldwide.
Unlike fabric or garment standards, NFPA 70E answers the practical question:
“How much protection do workers actually need for this task?”
It helps prevent both:
Under-protection, which leads to severe injuries
Over-protection, which reduces comfort and productivity
NFPA 70E uses arc flash risk assessment to determine potential incident energy. This assessment considers factors such as:
Available fault current
Equipment type and condition
Working distance
Task being performed
The result defines the minimum arc rating (cal/cm²) required for PPE.
NFPA 70E introduces PPE categories that help guide selection:
Lower categories for routine tasks with lower incident energy
Higher categories for tasks with increased arc flash exposure
Each category corresponds to a minimum arc rating, helping safety managers select suitable garments.
Depending on the hazard level, PPE may include:
Arc flash coveralls
Arc flash jackets and pants
Arc-rated shirts and trousers
Face shields, gloves, and other protective equipment
All clothing must be arc-rated and flame-resistant.
Choosing PPE without a risk assessment
Mixing arc-rated and non-compliant garments
Ignoring garment condition and maintenance
Using outdated PPE categories
NFPA 70E helps eliminate these mistakes through a structured approach.
To maintain NFPA 70E compliance:
Wear arc-rated garments fully closed
Ensure proper layering compatibility
Follow recommended laundering instructions
Replace damaged or contaminated clothing
Correct use is as important as correct selection.
NFPA 70E turns arc flash protection from guesswork into a clear decision-making process. By following its guidance, companies can select the right arc flash PPE, protect workers effectively, and build safer electrical workplaces.
