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Arc Flash PPE

Arc flash is a major hazard for electrical and utility workers. When an electrical arc flash occurs, temperatures can exceed 35,000°F in a fraction of a second, exposing workers to intense thermal energy, molten metal, flying debris and ultraviolet radiation. For electrical workers, utility personnel, maintenance technicians, and renewable energy professionals, proper face and eye protection is a critical component of any electrical safety program.

Paulson Manufacturing develops advanced arc flash PPE solutions designed to help protect workers while maintaining visibility, comfort, and productivity.

Types of Arc Flash PPE by Paulson Manufacturing

Paulson Manufacturing is at the forefront of innovation when it comes to arc flash face and eye protection. As a global leader in the design and development of arc flash PPE, our line of arc flash face shields and goggles provide electrical workers with:

  • Superior optical clarity for detailed electrical tasks
  • Excellent color recognition for wire and component identification
  • Lightweight, comfortable designs for extended wear
  • Reduced visual distortion and eye fatigue
  • Durable construction for demanding work environments
Electrical worker wearing Paulson arc flash face shield, balaclava hood, and protective gloves

Arc Flash Face Shields

Our arc flash face shields are engineered to provide high-performance protection against the thermal hazards associated with electrical arc flash events. Manufactured using our proprietary nanoparticle-enhanced technology, these face shields help deliver exceptional visible light transmission and color recognition, while maintaining the arc-rated protection required for energized electrical work.

Arc Flash Face Shields

Explore the Toric Arc Flash Face Shield

Interact with the face shield below to learn its features and benefits.

Compatible w/ weight-compensating cap bracket:

Compatible w/ weight-compensating cap bracket
  • Conforms to shape of helmet while above the head in stowed position​
  • Minimizes weight-imbalance

Nanoparticle Formulation:

Polycarbonate material compounded with nanoparticles provide better energy absorption, higher impact value, and extends service life.

Toric shape:

Toric shape

Double curve design allows for wide peripheral view, better situational awareness, and less internal glare & reflection

Highly Transparent Grey Color

  • Allows for full color recognition of wires & switches
  • Reduces eye strain & worker fatigue

Premium Shield Coatings

  • Permanent antifog coating to optimize visibility​
  • Permanent anti-abrasion hard coating to prevent scratches and extend service life.​

ArcVent® System​

ArcVent® System

Indirect ventilation allows for enhanced airflow while providing arc flash protection.

LeverLock® hole pattern:​

LeverLock® hole pattern
  • Easy face shield window replacement
  • Internal attachment to avoid damaged or melting cam locks

Mounting blocks for flashlight system​

Mounting blocks for flashlight system
  • Allows for attachment of Paulson ALM™ flashlight system (sold separately)
  • Articulating light mount pivots horizontally and vertically for precise positioning
  • Streamlight® flashlight is 60 lumens and intrinsically safe.

Conforms closer to face around edges:

Better protection against debris and particulates around the side edges of shield

Integrated chin protector:

Integrated chin protector
  • Better protection from hazards from below
  • Better downward vision

Arc Flash Goggles & Balaclavas

In certain work environments, such as confined spaces and underground vaults, arc flash goggles and balaclavas are available in designs that protect against low, medium, and high energy arc flash hazards. Featuring lenses with the same nanoparticle formulation as our face shields, non-conductive frames securely cover the wearer’s entire eye area. Balaclavas cover the face and neck for full coverage against arc flash exposure and fit easily under safety helmets or hard hats. It’s important to note that arc flash goggles do not meet the face and eye protection requirements of NFPA 70E, which stipulates that an arc flash face shield must be worn. However, arc flash goggles are a popular choice among public utilities, which do not fall under NFPA 70E, for their comfort, ease of use, and versatility across a wide range of job site conditions.

In certain work environments, such as confined spaces and underground vaults, arc flash goggles and balaclavas are available in designs that protect against low, medium, and high energy arc flash hazards. Featuring lenses with the same nanoparticle formulation as our face shields, non-conductive frames securely cover the wearer's entire eye area. Balaclavas cover the face and neck for full coverage against arc flash exposure and fit easily under safety helmets or hard hats. It’s important to note that arc flash goggles do not meet the face and eye protection requirements of NFPA 70E, which stipulates that an arc flash face shield must be worn. However, arc flash goggles are a popular choice among public utilities, which do not fall under NFPA 70E, for their comfort, ease of use, and versatility across a wide range of job site conditions.

Productivity-Enhancing Accessories

Because workers perform best when they can see clearly and remain comfortable, Paulson offers accessories that improve both usability and protection.

  • Flashlight Systems: Integrated lighting solutions enhance visibility when working in electrical rooms, substations, vaults, and low-light conditions.
  • Enhanced Hood Ventilation Systems: Ventilation accessories help improve airflow and reduce heat buildup, allowing workers to remain comfortable and focused during extended tasks.

Helmet Compatibility

Compatibility and secure fit to a hardhat or helmet is critical for an arc flash face shield to properly protect the worker. Paulson arc flash face shields feature a variety of cap bracket systems, including those compatible with slotted cap hardhats, non-clotted cap hardhats, and full-brim hardhats.

With the growing popularity of Type 2 safety helmets on the market, Paulson recognized the critical need for face shield compatibility for these helmets as well. As a result, we offer face shield brackets compatible with a growing list of some of the most popular Type 2 safety helmet brands on the market.

Productivity-Enhancing Accessories

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Protection You Can Trust

Paulson arc flash products are designed to meet the performance requirements of NFPA 70E and ANSI Z87.1 and are tested to the ASTM F2178 test method. Combined with industry-leading optics, durability, and innovative material technologies, these solutions help electrical workers perform safely and confidently in high-risk environments.

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