What is BS EN 61482‑2 about? 
BS EN 61482‑2 is a multi-part series of European standards which discusses live working requirements.
BS EN 61482‑2 is applicable to protective clothing used in work where there is the risk of exposure to an electric arc hazard.
BS EN 61482‑2 specifies requirements and test methods applicable to material and garments for protective clothing for electrical workers against the thermal hazards of an electric arc.
Note 1: Electric shock hazard is not covered in BS EN 61482‑2, which is applicable in combination with standards covering such hazards.
Note 2: Other effects than the thermal effects of an electric arc like noise, light emissions, pressure rise, hot oil, electric shock, the consequence of physical and mental shock or toxic influence are not covered by BS EN 61482‑2.
Note 3: Protection of eyes, face, head, hands and feet against electric arc hazard is not covered by BS EN 61482‑2.
Note 4: Protective clothing for work intentionally using an electric arc, e.g., arc welding, plasma torch, is not covered in BS EN 61482‑2.
Who is BS EN 61482‑2 for?
BS EN 61482‑2 on protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc is useful for:
- Manufacturing of protective clothes against an electric arc
- Testing of protective clothes against an electric arc
- Retailer and dealers of protective hazard clothes
- Companies dealing with electric work
Why should you use BS EN 61482‑2?
Electric safety clothing is designed to provide a protective barrier from heat and flame, which minimizes the total burn injury, and gives a few extra times to seek shelter from an explosion or fire in the working area.
An electric arc is self-maintained gas conduction for which most of the charge carriers are electrons supplied by primary-electron emission. Electric arc hazard is potential harm from an energy release from an electric arc usually caused by a short circuit or equipment failure in electrotechnical work.
The products designed and manufactured according to BS EN 61482‑2 contribute to the safety of the users, provided they are used by skilled persons, in accordance with safe methods of work and the instructions for use.
All parties intervening in the product’s design, manufacture, packaging, distribution, use, maintenance, repair, reuse, recovery and disposal can take account of environmental considerations using BS EN 61482‑2.
BS EN 61482‑2 provides you guidance on the protective clothing which covers or replaces personal clothing, and which is designed to provide protection against one or more hazards. It also contains the properties to protect against the thermal effects of an electric arc.
As a user of BS EN 61482‑2, you will be able to acquire good quality protective clothes with all the tests and requirements applied to it.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 61482‑2:2020 is derived from IEC 61482‑2:2018. It includes:
- A new definition for ELIM, ATPV and EBT as used in accordance with IEC 61482-1-1
- New requirements for the thermal stability of the intermediate layers
- Additional material requirement for volume resistance
- The new test procedure for the thermal resistance of sewing threads
- A new symbol for marking
