Flash fire caused by electric arc is different than that caused by flammable liquids/fumes or combustible dusts. A suitable protective clothing for protection against electric arc-flash must be designed as per Indian weather conditions. Currently available garments are manufactured using two or three layers of woven/nonwoven combinations to achieve higher Hazard Risk Category (HRC) rating (level 3 and above). However, they are heavy and not comfortable to the end users. Savesplash® is a single layer inherent flame-retardant knitted fabric. Its arc rating was determined using ASTM standards. It achieved arc thermal performance value (ATPV) of 41 cal/cm2, breakopen threshold energy (E_BT) of 42 cal/cm2 and heat attenuation factor (HAF) of 94% when tested as per ASTM F1959/F1959M-14 which translated into an arc rating of 41 cal/cm2. This is equivalent to HRC level 4 ratings as per National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 70E standard (USA). Further, cut and sewn gloves (HM-100) developed using Savesplash® fabric reinforced with leather on palm area achieved ATPV of 63 cal/cm2 and HAF of 94.5% when tested as per ASTM F2675/F2675M-13.
