FAQs

If we don’t do any high voltage work, what type of PPE do we need?

If we don’t do any high voltage work, what type of PPE do we need?

Voltage does not determine the arc flash hazard. Knowing the voltage is only one piece of determining Arc Flash PPE. The electrode orientation, available fault current (amps), the working distance between the worker and the equipment, the clearing time of the circuit protection device, the spacing between conductors or from a conductor to ground, the number of phases, whether the conductors are in an enclosure, and...


What fabric is the best for arc flash clothing?

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?

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 faceshield?

How do I pre-use inspect my arc flash faceshield?

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 faceshield 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 pre-use inspect my arc flash suit?

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...


How do I size my workers for an arc flash suit?

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...


Will the LED headlamp on my faceshield or hood explode?

Will the LED headlamp on my faceshield or hood explode?

Oberon promotes the use of LED headlamps on all arc flash faceshields and suit hoods to enhance the workers ability to properly see the work task. Oberon has performed limited testing of the products we support. The arc flash exposures were relevant to the protection provided by the arc flash PPE. During testing none of the LED lamps exploded and we observed no signs of concern regarding melting, dripping or continued...


Does Oberon offer a long coat type arc flash suit?

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...


How do I activate my Oberon anti-fog coating?

How do I activate my Oberon anti-fog coating?

Oberon arc flash faceshields and suit hood shield windows are available with anti-fog coatings. Before each and every use the anti-fog coating must be activated. Workers must use humidity to activate the anti-fog properties by pulling the inside of the faceshield or hood lens towards them and breathe on the surface. It’s important for your shield lens to be at room temperature for best results.   When using an Oberon arc flash suit hood, consider...


Can we use the new True Color Grey (TCG) shield in our old Oberon arc flash suit hoods?

Can we use the new True Color Grey (TCG) shield in our old Oberon arc flash suit hoods?

No, older Oberon hoods that have a green/yellow shield window lens cannot be exchanged for the new clear TCG shield window. When Oberon designed the hoods for the new TCG shield lens, changes were made to the fabric construction and installation method. The new TCG shield lenses have metal snaps that make assembly and disassembly easier for the worker. All older Oberon hoods...