Arc-Rated Clothing, 25–39.9 cal/cm² (meets Category 3)

In plain words. An arc rating is the amount of heat energy, in calories per square centimetre, that a fabric blocked before the test predicted a second-degree burn; it is printed on the garment label as ATPV or EBT. NFPA 70E groups PPE into categories by the minimum rating: Category 1 needs 4 cal/cm², Category 2 8, Category 3 25, Category 4 40. Flame resistance (the fabric self-extinguishes) is a separate test from the arc rating; a garment can be FR without an arc rating. Every number here is the manufacturer's.

Technical. Arc ratings by ASTM F1959 (reported as ATPV, or EBT where the fabric breaks open first); FR garment performance by ASTM F1506 (electric arc) and NFPA 2112 (flash fire, with NFPA 2113 for selection); NFPA 70E Table 130.7(C)(15)(c) sets the PPE categories by incident energy. Hi-vis FR garments also carry an ANSI/ISEA 107 class. Fabric weights are in ounces per square yard as published.

Ratings and specifications on this page are shown as published by the manufacturer or the named standard and describe performance in that standard's test. They are not a recommendation for any task. The employer's hazard assessment decides what protective equipment a job needs. Verify details against the manufacturer's current documentation before you buy.