NFPA 70E Table 130.5 and 130.7 list out what types of Arc Rated PPE are acceptable to use for protection from an arc flash. Long coats are not listed in either of these tables and should not be used due to the limitations of this type of design. To learn more about these limitations please see the white paper Long Coat Protection concerns. Additionally, CSA Z462-21 also has Arc Flash PPE Selection Tables. Table 3 and 6C do not list long...
Place the Oberon Cooling Vest cooling packs in ice water or a refrigerator until they feel cool (approximately 1 hour). Do not freeze the packs as this will make them hard and uncomfortable to wear as well as excessively cold. The cooling packs should provide cooling to the body for approximately two hours. In extreme heat conditions or with heavy exertion, the duration of the packs may be reduced. When worn properly, the packs should feel cool at first. Your...
We have a size chart on our website that will show you how to choose the right size. Please visit our sizing chart page HERE.
What are the limitations of an arc flash rated suit? A common misperception is that a person wearing an arc rated suit is “bullet proof” from the hazards associated with electricity. There are 3 main potential hazards when working with electricity: Electric Shock, Arc Flash and Arc Blast. An arc flash suit can protect you from an arc flash provided that the incident energy level that the suit is exposed to is equal to or less than what the suit is rated...
What is the shelf life of an arc flash suit? This is a challenging topic to consider as many variables must be considered when determining when an arc flash suit needs to be replaced. Things like the age of a suit, frequency of use, laundering care, and the environment your suit is stored in can all play roles in how long it will last. Oberon recommends a pre and post inspection after every use of your arc flash suit. The diagram...
What fabric is the best for arc flash clothing? There are three different types of arc-rated flame resistant (FR) fabrics available on the market; Treated non-inherently FR fabrics, Inherently FR fabrics and Treated Inherently FR fabrics. Treated non-inherently FR fabrics, either 100% cotton, or cotton blends, have no flame resistant properties and require a chemical treatment application to become flame resistant (FRT). Inherent fabrics are engineered to be flame resistant (IFR), and there is no chemical that needs to be added...
How do the arc-rated clothes actually protect me? Arc Flash PPE is tested to determine its protective ability, this is called an arc rating. This testing is done on the fabric or a finished product using various different testing methods according to applicable Standards. Arc-rated clothing provides insulation that protects a worker from the thermal incident energy caused by an arc flash incident. There are various different types of arc ratings. In North America, the most popular product options have an ATPV...
How do I pre-use inspect my arc flash suit? The NFPA 70E Standard requires that all arc flash PPE is pre-use inspected. Refer to Oberon’s resource section of the website for literature resources including User Guides and Storage, Use, Care & Maintenance files. While inspecting your arc flash suit if you identify a problem do not use the product until the issue has been repaired, cleaned or replaced. When pre-use inspecting your Oberon arc flash suit you should inspect each item...
How do I size my workers for an arc flash suit? Refer to Oberon’s Sizing Guide section of the website. Alternatively, an Oberon Representative can help arrange for an arc flash suit sizing kit to be provided for your workers to use. The proper garment size will ensure electrical workers are protected, comfortable and productive. Arc flash suit sizes should be selected to be loose fitting over top of the worker’s uniform or everyday clothing. When sharing arc flash suits be...
Does Oberon offer a long coat type arc flash suit? No, Oberon has been a strong advocate against the use of this type of arc flash suit for the past 20 years. Long Coat with leggings style arc flash suits are a protection concern for workers! If a worker doesn't kneel or squat with their legs together a large opening is created at the bottom. Furthermore, thermal incident energy can deflect and chimney up inside the long coat. Arc flash suits...
