Arc Flash PPE Category 5

Electrical Safety Month Feature

An arc flash results from a flashover of electrical current through air in electrical equipment from one exposed live conductor to another or to ground*. An arc flash incident usually consists of an ultra-bright flash of light followed by intense heat, and potentially accompanied by a hazardously loud noise. With the possibility of an arc flash explosion reaching up to 19425 degrees Celsius, these events can have tragic results.

Every 3 years the CSA Z462 Technical Committee publishes a new revision of Standard Z462, which governs Workplace Electrical Safety. In 2021, a significant addition was made: the inclusion of a new Arc Flash PPE Category 5.

Every employer covered by CSA Z462, including but not limited to Industrial, Institutional, Mining, Airports, Commercial, and Construction is impacted. Many arc flash suits currently on the market are considered Category 4, meaning that some electrical workers could be under protected and at risk of tragic injuries resulting from an arc flash.

Contact one of our safety experts today for details on our Arc Safety product offering, or click here to shop FR and Arc Flash and lockout/tagout.

*https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/electrical.html