Why Arc Protection is Essential for Conductive Clothing
ElectroHigh-voltage work comes with unique safety challenges, especially for those performing live working, also known as barehand and hotstick work.
In barehand method, linemen make direct contact with energized components while wearing specialized conductive clothing that acts like a Faraday cage, shielding them from electric fields. However, without robust arc protection, even this advanced conductive clothing may not offer full protection against dangerous events like electrical arcs.
Arc and flashover faults can occur when there’s an abnormality in high-voltage grid, creating an electric arc that releases extreme energy and heat. These phenomena can form in milliseconds, generating temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun. If a worker’s clothing cannot withstand this intense heat and energy, it can lead to severe burns and other injuries.
In 2018, a flashover incident occurred during a boom leakage test on a 500 kV line in Arizona. Although no workers were injured, the cause was undetermined, showing that risks persist even with precautions. Similarly, in 2019 and 2020, defects in insulating booms (such as damage and improper decals) were found during inspections, leading to safety concerns and equipment re-testing.
Live tools, such as hot sticks and ladders, can also cause flashover if not properly maintained. Accidents have been reported in Canada, the US, and France, involving flashovers during live work on transmission lines. In California (2019), a flashover on a 500 kV line ladder caused minor injuries despite the use of arc-rated (AR) protective clothing. Helicopter-based work is equally risky, with incidents of flashover and fires following contact with high-voltage conductors.
Unfortunately, most conductive clothing currently on the market does not address this arc and flashover hazard adequately. Many manufacturers either do not provide arc protection or offer clothing with insufficient protection levels, which puts workers at significant risk.
Electrostatics Ltd., a leader in conductive clothing innovation, has taken a pioneering approach to arc protection. Their garment meets high arc protection standards of 11 cal/cm², complying with ASTM F2621 and IEC 61482:2018 regulations. This provides the critical layer of protection linemen need. With additional accessories, this arc protection can be boosted to an impressive 78 cal/cm², enabling the products to meet the most stringent safety requirements across various regions and applications. In the United States, for instance, conductive suits are required to have a minimum arc protection of 209.2 kJ/m2 [5 cal/cm2], and Electrostatics’ clothing exceeds this requirement without any add-ons, setting a new industry standard for arc-protective conductive suit.
The real-world importance of this protection became clear during an incident on a high-voltage grid in North America, where a lineman experienced an arc flash. Thanks to his Electrostatics arc-protected suit, he survived this life-threatening event. Stories like these not only underscore the importance of arc protection in high-voltage work but also inspire ongoing innovation and dedication to worker safety in this field. Cases like this have contributed to the openness of the North American market toward arc-protective conductive suits, recognizing the critical role they play in protecting workers.
Electrostatics’ dedication to arc protection doesn’t just represent an innovation in conductive clothing; it’s a major step forward in making high-voltage work safer for technicians. By significantly reducing the risk of arc-related injuries, these clothing supports a safer work environment and allows workers to perform their tasks with greater confidence. As awareness of arc hazards continues to grow, so too does the demand for this advanced protective gear, marking a new era in worker safety for high-voltage industries worldwide.
Interested in learning more about our innovative conductive fabric? Contact Electrostatics Ltd today for product details and how we can assist in safeguarding your workforce.
Az Electrostatics, we are proud that our products can contribute to safe work, network operation, and fewer power outages worldwide.
For more information on Electrostatics conductive clothing visit our product page!
The 2023 Industrial Innovation Award of the Ministry of Economy
was awarded to Electrostatics Ltd. for the innovation of
“InteGREATed protection – new generation of conductive clothing”
