IEC 61482-2 explained: arc flash protective clothing
IEC 61482-2 explained: arc flash protective clothing
IEC 61482-2 (EN 61482-2 in Europe) covers clothing that protects against the thermal effects of an electric arc.
Updated
Quick answer
Arc flash garments show protection as a box-test class, APC 1 (tested at 4 kA) or APC 2 (7 kA), and/or an open-arc value (ATPV or ELIM) in cal/cm². The higher the value, the more heat energy the garment can block. Your electrical risk assessment sets the level you need.
At a glance
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| What it covers | Clothing for live working and arc flash risks |
| Current edition | EN 61482-2:2020 (IEC 61482-2:2018, modified) |
| Status in GB | Designated in Great Britain (GOV.UK notice 0142/26, 15 October 2026) |
| Status in Ireland and NI | Harmonised in the EU, so it applies in Ireland and Northern Ireland (since 5 March 2021) |
| On the label | Arc pictogram with APC 1 or 2 and/or ATPV or ELIM in cal/cm² |
Arc ratings
| Rating | Test | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| APC 1 | Box test at 4 kA | Lower arc energy |
| APC 2 | Box test at 7 kA | Higher arc energy |
| ATPV / ELIM | Open arc test | Energy in cal/cm² the fabric blocks |
Shop IEC 61482-2
IEC 61482-2 questions
Is FR clothing the same as arc flash clothing?
No. Flame-resistant clothing to EN ISO 11612 is not automatically arc-rated. Look for IEC 61482-2 and an APC class or cal/cm² value.
Need this for a team?
We can supply and brand PPE for your whole team, delivered across the UK and Ireland.
Official sources
Standards and site rules change. Always check the current edition, the product's declaration of conformity and your own risk assessment.
- GOV.UK: Designated standards for PPE (Great Britain): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/designated-standards-ppe
- European Commission: Harmonised standards for PPE (EU, applies in Ireland and Northern Ireland): https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/european-standards/harmonised-standards/personal-protective-equipment_en
- HSE: PPE at work regulations: https://www.hse.gov.uk/ppe/ppe-regulations-2022.htm
- HSA: Personal protective equipment (Ireland): https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/personal_protective_equipment_-_ppe/
- BSI: the UK National Standards Body (publishes BS EN standards): https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/about-bsi/uk-national-standards-body/
- NSAI: National Standards Authority of Ireland (publishes I.S. EN standards): https://www.nsai.ie/