IEC 61482-2 – Protection against arc flash
In short: An arc flash is an unplanned connection between two conductors through ionised air. It usually lasts less than a second – and reaches more than 10,000 °C in the process. IEC 61482-2 – implemented in Europe as EN 61482-2:2020 – specifies the requirements for clothing that protects against it. Important to know: this clothing protects against the thermal effects of the electric arc – it is not electrically insulating protective clothing.
- Two possible pictograms
- On the left, the current marking: the shield with the arc discharge (IEC 60417-6353). Since the 2020 edition, it alone is intended for the marking – together with the ELIM and/or APC information. On the right, the double triangle (“suitable for live working”): the former marking, which can still be seen on older stock.
- The symbol alone says nothing about the level of protection. That is only given in the information next to it: either the protection class APC 1 or APC 2, or an energy value in cal/cm². Which of these appears depends on the test method used – more on this under Box test, ELIM and ATPV.
What happens in an arc flash
An arc flash is caused by current passing through ionised air – an unwanted connection between two conductors that occurs unpredictably. As a rule, this connection lasts less than a second. In that time, temperatures of more than 10,000 °C are generated, along with a pressure wave, molten metal and intense radiation.
The typical triggers are rarely spectacular:
- Incorrect handling and operating errors
- Technical defects, installation faults, maintenance and inspection errors
- Contamination by foreign objects in the installation
- Changes in weather conditions, such as increased humidity
- Rodent damage to cables
The protection classes APC 1 and APC 2
Testing is carried out in what is known as the box test, using defined energies. This results in two Arc Protection Classes:
| Test class | Arc energy Warc | Direct incident energy Ei0 | Test current | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APC 1 (arc1) | 158 kJ | 135 kJ/m² | 4 kA | 500 ms |
| APC 2 (arc2) | 318 kJ | 423 kJ/m² | 7 kA | 500 ms |
In our product names you will find these classes as arc1 or arc2 – for example “KÜBLER PROTECTIQ Jacke arc2 PSA 3”. The class must match the expected arc energy of the installation; what that is follows from the operator's risk assessment.
Box test, ELIM and ATPV – what the values mean
There are two test methods, which deliver different figures:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Box test directed test arc |
APC 1 / APC 2 | The usual certification route in the EU – tested to IEC 61482-1-2. |
| Open arc test open test arc |
ELIM or ATPV in cal/cm² | Delivers an energy value instead of a class. |
In addition to the mandatory box test, our Klassik jackets have been subjected to the open arc test. The measured ELIM values:
| Style | Class | ELIM |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket style 1390 / women's jacket 1490 | arc1 | 9.4 cal/cm² |
| Jacket style 1391 / women's jacket 1491 | arc2 | 16 cal/cm² |
What matters in practice
The protection only applies to the closed suit
An arc flash acts from one direction, but the heat envelops the body. That is why the protective function is only provided when a complete, closed suit is worn. An open jacket, rolled-up sleeves or an unprotected zone between jacket and trousers cancel out the protection at exactly that point.
What is worn underneath counts too
Undergarments made of synthetic fibres can melt when exposed to heat and make burns worse – even under a protective jacket that complies with the standard. Underwear made of flame-retardant material or natural fibres belongs under arc flash protection.
Multi-standard is the rule, not the exception
Arc flash protection practically never occurs on its own. As standard, our garments combine it with flame protection to EN ISO 11612 and electrostatics to EN 1149, and in the HIGH VIS styles additionally with high visibility to EN ISO 20471. This is no coincidence: wherever an electric arc can occur, ignition sources and visibility are an issue anyway.
Collections with arc flash protection
36 styles from our collections are tested to IEC 61482-2 – jackets, trousers and bib and brace trousers in classes arc1 and arc2.
Frequently asked questions
Does the clothing also protect against electric shock?
No. Arc flash protective clothing protects against the thermal effects of the electric arc. It is not electrically insulating protective clothing – it provides no protection against current flowing through the body. That requires additional insulating equipment.
What is the difference between ELIM and ATPV?
Both values are given in cal/cm², but mean different things. With ATPV there is a 50 per cent probability of a second-degree burn; with ELIM it is 0%. ELIM is common in the EU, ATPV in the USA and Canada. When comparing offers, first check which value is stated.
Is arc1 enough or do I need arc2?
That follows from the risk assessment of the installation – from the arc energy to be expected at the workplace. APC 1 is tested at 4 kA, APC 2 at 7 kA, in each case over 500 ms. The classification is made by the operator, not the clothing manufacturer.
Does the suit really have to be completely closed?
Yes. The protection is only provided when a complete, closed suit is worn. Open jackets, rolled-up sleeves or unprotected zones between the garments cancel out the protection at that point.
Which underwear should be worn underneath?
Flame-retardant underwear or natural fibres. Synthetic fibres can melt when exposed to heat and make burns worse – even under a protective jacket that complies with the standard.
Advice on arc flash protection
Less than a second.
More than 10,000 degrees.
We will go through with you which protection class your installation requires, what ELIM and ATPV values mean in practice and why the suit must be completely closed.
Last updated: July 2026