IEC 61482-2
Electric arc
Back to overviewProtection against electric arcs: IEC 61482 standard for protective clothing
IEC 61482 describes the requirements for clothing that offers protection against the thermal effects of an electric arc, a short-lived but very intense flash of flame resulting from a short circuit. Clothing that complies with this standard is always flame-retardant and falls into risk class III of the EU regulation.
What does IEC 61482 entail?
The standard icon has been updated: instead of the old two triangles, a symbol is now used that more clearly indicates the arc flash hazard.
The class achieved is shown below this icon:
- APC 1
- APC 2
The test methods themselves have remained the same. The user instructions explain how the clothing should be worn correctly for optimal protection.
Symbol and technical requirements of IEC 61482
The icon indicates that the clothing has been tested for arc flash hazard. This includes the APC 1 and APC 2 classifications, which are based on the Open Arc and Box Test methods.
Explanation of the test values
IEC 61482-1-1 Open Arc.
This is mainly used in the United States. It measures the ATPV value (cal/cm²): the energy at which there is a 50% chance of a second-degree burn. The higher the ATPV, the better the protection.
Since 2018, the ELIM value (incident energy limit) has also been measured. This is a conservative value and is calculated as the average of the test results.
For example, clothing with an ATPV of 11.5 cal/cm² offers high protection.
IEC 61482-1-2 Box Test.
This is mainly used in Europe.
This test simulates an electric arc in a sealed box. This checks whether the clothing can withstand the heat and energy of the arc.
- Class 1 = 4 kA (lower energy)
- Class 2 = 7 kA (higher energy)
The arc lasts a maximum of 500 milliseconds.
During the test, it is checked whether the clothing remains below the Stoll curve: the limit at which second-degree burns occur.
Where do you use IEC 61482 workwear?
This standard is mandatory in sectors with a risk of short circuits and electric arcs, such as:
- Energy companies and high-voltage grids
- Electrical installations and maintenance
- Industries where work is carried out under voltage
Performance and design requirements of the standard
Clothing that complies with IEC 61482 must:
- Have no folds or openings where heat can penetrate.
- Contain fasteners and fittings that are heat-resistant and covered.
Meet the same basic requirements as EN ISO 11611.Where electricity becomes dangerous: IEC 61482 training on clothing for arc flash risk
An electric arc flash occurs in fractions of a second, but can reach temperatures of up to 20,000 °C. The IEC 61482 standard describes how protective clothing should shield employees from this thermal explosion in the event of a short circuit.
The training provides insight into the standard structure, test methods (such as the Open Arc and Box Test), classifications (APC 1 and 2), and the correct interpretation of ATPV and ELIM values. Relevant for companies working in electrical engineering environments and for organizations that need knowledge of standards for tendering, risk assessment, or internal safety policy.