FR vs ARC rated clothing: what’s the difference?

When it comes to protecting your team from heat, flames, and electrical hazards, choosing the right PPE is important.

Two of the most common types of protective clothing are FR (Flame Retardant) and ARC rated workwear, but:

• What’s the difference between the two?
• Which one do you need for your team?
• When should you use them?

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between FR and ARC rated PPE and explain when and why you might need to use them.

WHAT IS ARC RATED PPE?

ARC rated PPE is designed to protect workers from the extreme heat generated by an arc flash.

What exactly is an arc flash?

An ARC flash is a sudden, powerful release of energy caused by an electrical fault.

In less than a second, temperatures can reach 19,000°C, creating a blast strong enough to cause serious burns or injuries.

ARC flash PPE is specially engineered to absorb and block thermal energy.

Simply put, an ARC rating measures a fabric's ability to protect its wearer during an ARC flash.

The higher the ARC rating, the better protection offered.

To be classified as ARC rated, garments must meet strict testing requirements and comply with standards such as:

• IEC 61482-2 (Protection against the thermal hazards of an electric ARC)
• BS EN ISO 11611 (Protective clothing for welding and allied processes)
• BS EN ISO 11612 (Protective clothing against heat and flame)

WHAT IS FR RATED CLOTHING?

FR (Flame Retardant) PPE is designed to resist ignition and stop flames from spreading.

It’s commonly used in industries where workers face exposure to fire, heat, or explosive atmospheres.

The key standards for FR PPE include:

• EN ISO 11612:2008 (Protective clothing against heat and flame)
• EN ISO 14116:2008 (Limited flame spread)

Anti-Static (AS) protection is often built into FR rated clothing to prevent static electricity buildup, which could spark an explosion in flammable environments.

The key standards for AS PPE include:

• EN 1149 (Protection against electrostatic discharge)
• IEC 61340 (Protection of sensitive electronic components)

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FR RATED VS ARC RATED PPE

The main difference between them is the type of hazard they protect against.

In simple terms, FR rated clothing is essential for fire risks, while ARC rated PPE is critical for electrical hazards.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PPE FOR YOUR WORKFORCE

Choosing between FR and ARC rated clothing isn’t just about compliance - it’s about protecting lives.

Providing the wrong protection can lead to life-changing injuries, or even fatalities.

Here’s where to start:

1. Carry out a risk assessment - Look carefully at the risks in your workplace. The first step is knowing what you’re up against.
2. Match hazards to the right protection - ARC rated PPE is designed for extreme temperatures and electrical hazards. FR rated PPE protects against heat and flame, but not the intensity of an arc flash.
3. Check compliance with standards - Using certified garments ensures that you’re protecting your people properly.
4. Confirm the garment certification - Before ordering, check that the garment's certificate matches your site's requirements.

Investing in the right protection isn’t just good practice. It’s a commitment to your team’s safety and well-being.

WHY PARTNER WITH A SPECIALIST?

Navigating standards and garment selection can feel complex, but it doesn’t have to be.

SMI makes it easy with access to:

• A dedicated account manager.
• 3-hour maximum email response time.
• 5PM order cut-off for next day delivery.
• 97% stock availability.

In short, we’re easy to deal with, fast to respond, and committed to helping you protect your people.

Drop us a message today, or give us a call on 03304 413500.