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Is there a difference between Arc Clothing protection and flame-resistant protection clothing?
Yes, there is a difference between arc-rated (AR) clothing and flame-resistant (FR) clothing, though they are closely related:
1. Flame-Resistant (FR) Clothing
- Designed to self-extinguish when exposed to flames, reducing burn injuries.
- Protects against flash fires or short-term thermal hazards.
- Does not provide specific protection against electrical arcs.
- All arc-rated clothing is flame-resistant, but not all flame-resistant clothing is arc-rated.
2. Arc-Rated (AR) Clothing
- Specifically designed to protect against the intense heat and energy of arc flash incidents.
- Includes an arc rating (measured in calories/cm²) that indicates the level of protection it provides against electrical arcs.
- All arc-rated clothing is flame-resistant, but it also undergoes arc flash testing to ensure it protects from both flame and electrical hazards.
If you're working around potential arc flash hazards, you need arc-rated clothing. For general protection from fire hazards, flame-resistant clothing may suffice. Always choose clothing based on the specific risks of your work environment.
