Layering Systems

High Arc protection with Nomex® materials

Electrical workers in utilities, automotive, oil and gas as well as mining industries need personal protection from high incident energy arc hazards.

Arc flash hazards can be addressed either with arc flash suits or with layering systems, both of which have different characteristics and properties, depending on what the user is looking for.

Arc Flash Suits

Arc-flash suits are very effective and offer simplicity of use. They are often available in kits that are rated to a specific incident energy level which can include full body protection along with a hood, gloves, suit and sometimes, shoes. A complete system removes the chances of error in selecting each component independently.

LAYERING SYSTEMS

Some end users prefer the flexibility of choosing their own base layers to build the desired of layer of protection that they need for a task. This allows them to wear an everyday base layer and supplement it with additional layers of protection as needed to maximize comfort and functionality for the worker.

Layering is wearing independent, arc-rated clothing layers one over the other until reaching the required ATPV protection level, instead of a traditional high arc suit. The layers can be worn independently or together; however, the key is that the layers are tested together as a system.

For example, wearing an 8 cal/cm² coverall over 4 cal/cm² pants and shirt doesn’t mean that the system will be adequate for 12cal/cm² protection. The system must be tested together to determine arc rating.

Layering can also be effective when protection is needed from hazards such as toxic chemicals in addition to the arc hazard so the worker can wear a chemical protective suit on top of their primary arc protective clothing.

DUPONT^™ NOMEX^®

DuPont offers a variety of material options to create multi layered systems as well as high arc suits.

DuPont^™ Nomex^® helps protect wearers appropriately in different industries and working environments. Over more than 50 years, Nomex^® is trusted amongst industrial workers at risk from flash fire and electric arc hazards, for providing the inherent protection they need, along with improved comfort and durability.

The addition of multiple layers of DuPont materials can yield high arc ratings. Such combinations can be used for layered solutions as well as in the construction of arc flash suits.

The table below highlights some of the tested layering combinations made with Nomex^®. For additional information, please contact your Nomex^® account manager.

The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and based on technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable. It is intended for use by persons having technical skill and at their own discretion and risk. Because conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no warranties, express or implied, and assumes no liability in connection with any use of this information. Nothing herein is to be taken as license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patents or trademarks.

Proud member of Partnership for Electrical Safety

The leading companies in the Arc-Rated (AR) & Flame-Resistant (FR) clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) industry lead an effort to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of Americans working on energized electrical equipment are properly equipped and protected from the hazards of electrical arc flash.