Whether you work as an electrical engineer or simply in an environment where electrical flashes are a risk, it’s important to stay protected. Failure to do so could make you one of the 30,000 arc flash injuries that happen every year. To keep yourself safe, it’s important to have clothing and protection gear made out of a sturdy arc flash protection fabric. And, luckily, there are plenty of different protection fabric options out there.
Kevlar Webbing
One of the first arc flash protective fabric options we offer is Kevlar webbing. Kevlar webbing can be engineered to specified strengths with customized striping designs. On top of that, it can be blended with PBI, Vectran, or Nomex fibers. As such, it can be created in both lightweight and heavyweight options.
Kevlar fabric is a great choice because it has a melting point of 800°F as well as chemical resistance to solvents. On top of that, it is no-melt and no-drip. Anyone interested in a highly durable fabric will find that our Kevlar protection fabrics are a great option.
Nomex Elastic
Another great choice for arc flash protection fabric is Nomex elastic. Just like our Kevlar webbing, Nomex elastic can be created with customized stripes for any business. Nomex is a lightweight and comfortable material that is easy to move around in. Its no-melt, no-drop characteristics make it perfect for anyone working in high temperatures. Nomex is a flame-resistant material that provides the ultimate flame protection. This makes it perfect for life-threatening situations.
Aramid
Aramid fibers are extremely durable, making them useful for a variety of industries. They have are no-melt, no-drip fibers meaning that they can withstand high levels of heat. Aramids are typically used as personal protective equipment. This is thanks to the unique properties that its long-chain synthetic polyamide provides it with.
Modacrylic
Modacrylic is a type of modified acrylic fiber. This type of fiber has better chemical resistance and heat resistance than pure acrylic fibers do. Modacrylic fibers can be easily dyed, making them great for companies that want to create personalized protective gear. Plus, it has great shape retention.
PBI
PBI is another high-performance fiber material. Its no-melt, no-drip properties when exposed to flame make it great for anyone who works in an industrial environment. PBI retains its strength even when exposed to flames. This makes it practical for use in settings where individuals are exposed to high levels of heat or open fires. Typically, PBI is used in conjunction with Kevlar or Nomex fabrics. It can be combined with these fibers to create an extra-durable piece of protective equipment.
Polyester
Polyester fibers are not the most flame-resistant materials, but they do perform well when exposed to high heat. This makes them a more cost-effective choice for anyone interested in arc flash protective fabric. Polyester is highly versatile and can be developed in a way that makes it practical for use across a variety of industries.
For example, high-tenacity polyester is best suited for consumers wanting good stretchability. Or, PEN fiber is perfect for anyone wanting fabric that has a higher level of heat resistance.
Olefin
Olefin is a fabric that offers numerous benefits to the wearer. These benefits include:
- High tensile strength
- Outstanding cut and abrasion resistance
- Resistance to UV
- Electrical resistance
- Chemical resistance
Because of its effectiveness in a variety of situations, Olefin is a great material for many types of industries. It’s important to note that Olefin fibers are slow-burning but that they will shrink when exposed to temperatures greater than 140°F.
Vectran
Anyone looking for a high-performance fiber will find that Vectran is an ideal type of fabric. This type of fabric offers high resistance to:
- Creep
- Impact
- Cuts and abrasion
- Chemicals
- Moisture
In addition, Vectran can be exposed to both high and low temperatures without losing its properties or becoming unstable. And, it offers exceptional strength to the wearer, making it great for industrial and critical safety environments.
Vectran fibers should not be exposed to UV light as this can cause them to lose their performance ability. To prevent this, we offer UV inhibiting finishes and dyes to our Vectran fibers to help you maximize their performance and capability.
PEEK
If you’re looking for a high-performance fiber, PEEK is a great choice. This fiber has high chemical and temperature resistance. PEEK is mostly used as a matrix material. However, it can be used in other industrial applications as well.
Nylon
Nylon is a fiber that’s quite similar to polyester. It’s extremely versatile and can be easily blended with other fibers such as Nomex or Kevlar. Nylon offers good abrasion resistance, making it a great fiber to incorporate into a garment that wishes to have resistance as well as flexibility. Nylon also has a low moisture retention rate. This means that it is quick-drying, making it useful for ocean exploration applications.
Finally, Nylon is resistant to most bases and dilute acids. It can also hold up against solvents, therefore, being useful for industries that use chemical products.
PTFE
PTFE is a fiber that is manufactured using fluorine. It has high chemical stability and a high melting point, making it practical for fire-resistant applications. This fiber has moderate tensile strength and provides good electrical insulation. On top of that, it is resistant to corrosive chemicals. PTFE is more commonly called Teflon.
Select the Right Arc Flash Protection Fabric
No matter which arc flash protection fabric you choose, it’s important to practice proper safety protocol. In choosing one of these arc flash options you’ll be able to stay safe on the job. Ready to get started with protection fabric that keeps you safe from any potential hazards? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you place an order!
