HRC/PPE – What Does It Mean?

The HRC/PPE Categories Chart for Arc-Rated FR Clothing

Wearing flame-resistant clothing can provide the necessary thermal protection to shield workers from an Arc Flash. Once the source of ignition is removed, the FR garments will self-extinguish, greatly limiting the severity of a burn. In many cases, they can mean the difference between a minor accident and a tragic fatality.

Measuring Arc Flash Heat

Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) is the exposure to a material that results in a sufficient heat transfer through the material for a 50% probability of the onset of a 2nd-degree burn. An ATPV rating is assigned to FR clothing to indicate the level of protection that is required. In other words, the higher the rating (cal/cm2), the greater the protection.

Arc Rated Clothing Flame Resistance Levels
 

A popular testing method for flame resistance of Arc Flash clothing is to use the HRC – Hazard/Risk Category. This was recently changed to PPE level.

The HRC or PPE level is measured by the minimum amount of calories/cm2.  There are four risk levels, and the following chart illustrates the 4 HRC/PPE levels with corresponding clothing and minimum arc ratings. 

If you are a little unsure of what cal/cm2 is in regards to heat, the common explanation is: 1cal/cm2 = holding 1 match under your finger for 1 second, similarly, 8cal/cm2 = holding 8 matches under your finger for 1 second.

Elliotts Australia provides a range of Level 1, 2 and 4 HRC/PPE rated FR clothing, which includes the Tecasafe Plus workwear, NENS09 Tecasafe workwear, and ArcSafe T40 Switching Suits.

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If you have some enquiries on any Arc Rated Protective Clothing and Gear, please let us know. Call us on 07 3265 2944 or message us on our Contact Page.