ASTM F2621 - Finished Product Testing

Once the arc rating of a fabric or composite is established (see ASTM F1959), a garment can be evaluated in an arc flash exposure as a design test of a finished product using ASTM F2621, Standard Practice for Determining Response Characteristics and Design Integrity of Arc Rated Finished Products and Evaluating other Products in an Electric Arc Exposure. Mannequins for arc testing are not sensored; the garment is exposed at or above the approximate arc rating of the material and the fabric, findings, accessories and etc. are checked for breakopen, melting and dripping, and shrinkage. The closures on the garment are also checked for functionality (an NFPA 70E Requirement). 

Prior to testing, samples are typically laundered in accordance with the care instructions or three times at 120F in accordance with AATCC 135 parameters 3, IV, Aiii.

This standard is also used to evaluate shoes, boots, respirators and many accessories which do not have an arc rating to assure they are acceptable for use in a specific arc flash energy exposure.  The practice also offers guidance in using other types of exposure such as box arc, running arc or ejected arc.

Contact our arc flash testing specialists for a quote or assistance with a scope of work for your electric arc testing project. 

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