FLAME RESISTANCE
Made from engineered fibers that inherently resist ignition or self extinguish once source of flame is removed and inhibit fire spread. Can be washed as many times as needed, and it does not compromise FR properties. Examples: Dupont Nomex, Dual Hazard and Modacrylic
FIRE RETARDANT
Made from fabrics that are flammable and treated with flame-retardant chemicals that make it flame resistant. Flame resistant materials may also be treated to increase protection. The flame-retardant properties may diminish over time. On the tag, you will see max number of washes before it is no longer flame-retardant. Typically more cost effective. Examples: Westex Indura and Ultrasoft
ARC-RATED
Arc rated clothing measure the insulation of FR fabrics, designed to protect from the intense heat AND energy from arc flashes. Arc ratings determine how much energy the fabric can block before it can cause 2nd degree burns to the wearer. AR clothing is required when employees are near or working on exposed live parts greater than 600v.
All arc-rated clothing are flame resistant, but not all FR clothing is arc-rated.
PRIMARY FR
Protective clothing that is engineered for the primary purpose of providing protection against flame and thermal hazards.
SECONDARY FR
Protective clothing that is designed to be worn with FR clothing without negatively impacting the FR protective levels of the primary clothing. It has basic FR protection and does not ignite and continue to burn once source of flame is removed. However, It should NOT be worn next to skin, rather should be layered over proper FR clothing. Essential for multi-hazard environments.
Learn more about the dangers of burn hazards here.
Browse our Arc Rated and Flame Resistant Clothing.
Learn the difference between Arc Flashes, Arc Blasts, Flash Fire and Combustible Dust.
