Arc flash is one of the most severe electrical hazards in the workplace — capable of producing temperatures of 20,000°C and causing fatal injuries at distances of several metres. Arc flash coveralls and suits are specialist PPE designed to protect workers from this specific hazard, and selecting the correct specification requires understanding both the EN IEC 61482-2 standard and the ATPV rating system. This guide covers both.
What is Arc Flash?
An arc flash occurs when electrical current deviates from its intended path and travels through the air between conductors or from a conductor to earth. The resulting electrical arc releases enormous energy instantaneously — producing extreme heat, a pressure wave, molten metal droplets, and intense UV and infrared radiation. Workers in the vicinity without appropriate arc-rated PPE face risks of severe burn injuries, blindness, hearing damage, and blast trauma.
Arc flash incidents occur most frequently during maintenance, testing, or switching operations on energised electrical equipment — distribution boards, switchgear, motor control centres and transformers are all potential arc flash environments.
EN IEC 61482-2 — The Arc Flash Clothing Standard
CE-certified arc flash protective clothing in Ireland must meet EN IEC 61482-2. The standard defines two test methods and two classes:
| Class | Arc Rating | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Minimum 4 cal/cm² ATPV | Low-voltage panel work, limited incident energy environments |
| Class 2 | Minimum 12 cal/cm² ATPV | Medium-voltage switching, higher energy environments |
The ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) is the key specification to match to your arc flash risk assessment. The calculated incident energy in cal/cm² at your working distance must not exceed the ATPV of the garment. Where the incident energy is not known, a formal arc flash risk assessment carried out by a qualified electrical engineer is required.
Arc Flash PPE — What's Required Beyond the Coverall
An arc flash coverall or suit is the primary garment but arc flash PPE is a system. All items worn must be arc-rated — non-arc-rated items worn underneath or over an arc flash suit can melt or ignite and negate the protection of the outer garment:
| PPE Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Arc flash coverall / suit | EN IEC 61482-2 Class 1 or 2 as required by risk assessment |
| Arc flash face shield / hood | Arc-rated face shield with minimum ATPV matching the suit |
| Gloves | Insulating rubber gloves with leather over-gloves — rated for the voltage |
| Footwear | Leather work boots — arc-rated or dielectric rated as required |
| Base layers | FR or inherently FR — no synthetic materials underneath arc flash suits |
Arc Flash vs Standard FR Coveralls
A standard flame-resistant coverall certified to EN ISO 11612 is not the same as arc flash rated PPE. EN ISO 11612 covers flash fire, convective heat and radiant heat — it does not test for electrical arc energy. Arc flash requires EN IEC 61482-2 certification. Some coveralls carry dual certification to both standards — these are appropriate for workers exposed to both fire and electrical arc hazards, such as those working in oil and gas electrical environments. See our flame retardant coveralls guide for the FR standard comparison.
Where to Buy Arc Flash Coveralls in Ireland
Arc flash coveralls are specialist products best purchased through dedicated electrical safety or industrial PPE suppliers rather than general workwear retailers. Brands commonly available in Ireland include Lakeland Industries, National Safety Apparel, and Portwest's arc flash range. Prices reflect the specialist nature of the product — entry-level Class 1 suits start from around €150; full Class 2 arc flash kits (suit, hood, gloves) can exceed €600. The cost is significant but proportionate to the consequences of inadequate protection in an arc flash event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy producing an explosive flash of heat (up to 20,000°C), light and pressure. It causes severe burns, blindness and fatal injuries at distances of several metres and is among the most serious electrical workplace hazards.
The required ATPV depends on the incident energy level calculated in your arc flash risk assessment (in cal/cm²). PPE must be rated at or above the calculated incident energy. An arc flash risk assessment by a qualified electrical engineer is required to determine the correct specification for your environment.
Yes. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Irish employers must protect workers from electrical hazards including arc flash. An arc flash risk assessment and arc-rated PPE are required where workers may be exposed to energised conductors.
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