Every electrical worker is aware of the dangers of an arc flash in their daily work. They rely on a wide range of personal protective equipment (PPE) to do their jobs safely and effectively. Commonly used electrical PPE includes arc rated clothing like suits, hoods, coveralls, jackets, pants, boots, and insulated rubber gloves. Other types of electrical PPE include hardhats, face shields, goggles, and safety glasses. The specific PPE that is to be worn in a particular application is determined by which Hazard Risk Category (HRC) that application falls under as laid out by NFPA 70E, the predominant electrical safety standard in the U.S. Paulson Mfg. has continuously innovated to offer some of the most cutting-edge arc flash face shields in the industry. Our arc flash face shields include our AmpShield® arc flash face shields (for CAT 1 & 2 applications), our 3Phase® lift-front arc shields (for CAT 2, 3 & 4 applications), and our arc shields for switchgear hoods (for CAT 3 & 4 applications).
NFPA 70E Hazard Risk Categories
Below is a brief overview of the 4 PPE categories as laid out by NFPA 70E. This gives the PPE requirements for each of the 4 hazard risk categories.
PPE CATEGORY 1
Minimum arc rating 4 cal/cm2
Required Clothing:
Long Sleeve Shirt (or Jacket) and Pants or AR Coverall with minimum arc rating of 4 cal/cm2
Required Face & Head Protection:
Face Shield (with “wrap around” guarding…i.e. balaclava) or Arc Flash Suit Hood
As Needed:
Arc Rated Jacket, Rainwear, Parka, Hard Hat Liner
PPE CATEGORY 2
Minimum arc rating 8 cal/cm2
Required Clothing:
Arc Rated Long Sleeve Shirt and Pants or Arc Rated Coverall with minimum arc rating of 8 cal/cm2
Required AR Face and Head Protection:
Arc Rated Arc Flash Suit Hood or AR Face Shield, Sock Hood/Balaclava with minimum arc rating of 8 cal/cm2
As Needed:
Arc Rated Jacket, Rainwear, Parka, Hard Hat Liner
PPE CATEGORY 3
Minimum arc rating 25 cal/cm2
Required Clothing:
Arc Rated Flash Suit Jacket and AR pant or AR coverall with minimum arc rating of 25 cal/cm2
Required AR Face and Head Protection:
Arc Rated Flash Suit Hood with minimum arc rating of 25 cal/cm2
Required AR Hand Protection:
Rubber insulating gloves & leather protectors or arc rated gloves
As Needed:
Arc Rated Jacket, Rainwear, Parka, Hard Hat Liner
PPE CATEGORY 4
Minimum arc rating 40 cal/cm2
Required Clothing:
Arc Rated Flash Suit Jacket and AR pant or AR coverall with minimum arc rating of 40 cal/cm2
Required AR Face and Head Protection:
Arc Rated Flash Suit Hood with minimum arc rating of 40 cal/cm2
Required AR Hand Protection:
Rubber insulating gloves & leather protectors or arc rated gloves
As Needed:
Arc Rated Jacket, Rainwear, Parka, Hard Hat Liner
In addition to AR clothing, other required PPE includes a hardhat, eye protection, hearing protection, and leather footwear.
AmpShield®
The AmpShield® arc flash face shield is designed for CAT 1 & 2 applications. The face shield attaches to a hardhat, with models fitting most manufacturers’ slotted cap hardhats, non-slotted cap hardhats, and full-brim hardhats. Made from polycarbonate infused with nanoparticles, the AmpShield® is available in ratings of 12 cal/cm2 and 20 cal/cm2. Unlike an arc rated hood with face shield, the AmpShield® does not provide 360° head and neck protection and must therefore be worn with the appropriate arc rated balaclava.
Other features & benefits of the AmpShield® include:
- Grey tint for enhanced color recognition of wires
- Nanoparticle formulation for a more robust & longer-lasting shield
- Premium shield coatings feature an anti-abrasion hard coating on the exterior and permanent anti-fog coating on the interior
- Transparent chin protector for excellent downward vision
- Compatible w/ Paulson ALM™ flashlight system for additional visibility
- LeverLock® attachment system for easy shield replacement
3Phase® Lift-Front Arc Shield
Designed for a wide range of hazard risk categories (CAT 2, 3 & 4), the 3Phase® lift-front arc shield is available in arc ratings starting at 12 cal/cm2, all the way up to 100 cal/cm2. The primary difference between the 3Phase® and AmpShield® is that the AmpShield® is ready to be worn simply by attaching it to a hardhat (and of course wearing the appropriate balaclava underneath). On the other hand, the 3Phase® is designed to be attached with hook and loop to an arc rated hood or shroud. As such, the 360° head & neck protection provided by the 3Phase® with a hood or shroud means that the worker does not need to wear a balaclava underneath. Most electrical workers will tell you that this a welcomed feature that enhances breathability and personal hygiene.
Similar to the AmpShield®, the 3Phase® lift-front arc shield features our HT™ grey tint for enhanced color recognition; nanoparticle formulation for a more durable lens; premium anti-abrasion & anti-fog lens coatings; transparent chin protector for excellent downward vision; compatibility with our ALM™ flashlight system; and LeverLock® attachment system.
In addition, the 3Phase® also includes:
- Lift-front technology for enhanced breathability & communication
- Toric lens design for wider peripheral vision and reduced internal glare
- ArcVent™ system for enhanced ventilation & communication
You would be hard pressed to find an arc flash face shield that delivers as much protection, comfort, visibility, and durability as the 3Phase® lift-front arc shield.
Arc Shield for Switchgear Hoods
Rounding out our arc flash face shield offering is our line of arc shields for standard switchgear hoods (aka “beekeeper” hoods). These face shields are designed for CAT 3 & 4 applications and range from 25 cal/cm2 to 100 cal/cm2. Tried and true, these face shields meet the rigorous requirements set forth by NFPA 70E and will hold up in severe situations.
Like the AmpShield® and 3Phase®, our arc shields for switchgear hoods feature our HT™ nanoparticle grey tint and premium protective coatings. They also feature a riveted hook and loop attachment system that holds up even at 100 cal/cm2. Finally, because of the nanoparticle formulation, we can offer higher protection with a single-lens shield. Historically, with our now-discontinued legacy green arc shields, anything 40-cal and above would require a dual-lens shield to meet the protection requirements. Since the nanoparticles absorb the energy much more effectively, we now offer 40-cal shields with a single lens, allowing us to cut weight and cost.
The bottom line is, at Paulson Mfg., we live and breathe all things face shields. Regarding arc flash face shields, our knowledge and expertise goes all the way back to the very beginning of this PPE category. Our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation has led to some of the most advanced arc flash face shields on the market, and will no doubt continue to drive us in the future.
For more info on our arc flash face shields, please contact us today.