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Fabrics used in arc flash switching garments have changed for the better over the years. Remember the “bomb suit”? This terminology is still used today by electricians referring to the extremely heavy and cumbersome switching PPE (personal protective equipment) worn by high voltage operators.
Of course, it wasn’t really a bomb suit but you could certainly understand how CAT 4 switching gear earnt its nickname! Fabric development has yielded lighter more comfortable garments and subsequently switching gear changed from the early heavy options, moved through to a lighter multi layered style phase and ultimately to today’s pinnacle CAT 4 solution – UltraLight SLX based on Gore® Pyrad® technology which yields 50 cal/cm2 protection in a single layer of fabric.
Under the ArcPlus banner, switching garments and PPE from Guardian Safety, which are Made In Australia, offer protection from 8 cal/cm2 to 100 cal/cm2!! Below is a summary of the main arc flash switching fabrics currently available from Guardian Safety:
UltraSoft
Introduced in 1996 UltraSoft® is a well established traditional switching clothing fabric which provides a soft feel with excellent abrasion resistance. UltraSoft has decades of consistent market proven performance globally:
Applications:
Fabric densities range from 237 gsm (8 cal/cm2) to 711 gsm (47 cal/cm2).
SuperLight
An inherent fibre Outer Shell sewn over a Quilted Liner, SuperLight fabric is one of the lightest combinations which provides 40 cal/cm2 CAT 4 protection:
Applications:
The SuperLight fabric system has been used globally by major switching clothing manufacturers (under various brand names) for many years and at the time of its introduction with a density of 375 gsm was one of the lightest fabrics in the world to provide 40 cal/cm2 protection. Up to 44% lighter than traditional switching fabrics.
SuperLight Plus
It’s hard to believe that a relatively lightweight solution is available for extreme environments up to 100 cal/cm2 but that’s what SuperLight Plus provides. An inherent 3 layer fabric system developed for very high energy levels:
Applications:
The three layer system has a combined density of 976 gsm which is relatively light for the protection level it offers. Options are now available with a Lift Front visor also which makes the system far more comfortable especially if being worn for an extended period.
