IEC 61482-1 Method A

IEC 61482-1-1 Live working – Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc – Part 1-1: Test methods – Method 1: Determination of the arc rating (ELIM, ATPV and/or EBT) of clothing materials and of protective clothing using an open arc 

The standard determines an arc rating for clothing and PPE and is commonly used in the EU. The test method determines the Arc Rating (ELIM, ATPV or EBT) of a fabric or a multi-layer combination of fabrics.

Prior to testing, samples are laundered according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically five times using ISO 6330). 

For compliance with IEC 61482-2 and to obtain CE Marking, both fabrics and garments must be arc tested. IEC 61482-1-1 Method A is virtually identical to ASTM F1959 with the exception of different laundry preconditioning methods to prepare samples.