What Is the Difference Between Arc Rated Clothing and FR Clothing?
Flame Resistant and Arc-rated clothing can be a confusing topic and as a result there are many misconceptions among users of the two types of garments. The most common question users have is: What are the differences between AR and FR clothing?
The main difference between the two is that all arc rated clothing is flame resistant but not all flame resistant clothing are arc rated. The two have similarities as they are both resistant to ignition but the ones that are arc rated have been measured to test their resistance to arc flash through certified testing facilities.
This is what I believe you have to consider when selecting the safety clothing as your first priority is to protect yourself and your workers.
Therefore, an arc rating is a single number that states to the end user the threshold of the clothing to arc flash.
Selecting a garment that is both AR and FR may prove to be a better choice as you will be sure of added protection and have a measurable value to show what the level of protection you will get.
Terry Smeader
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Tags: AR, arc rated, clothing, Flame Resistant, FR
