Flame Resistant Workwear for Electricians: What to Consider

Electrician work might sound so routine as to be considered fairly low risk, but the truth is that working around energized electrical components always poses significant risk, the consequences of which can be significant and even fatal. While we have seen an increase in independent electricians choosing to don protective FR workwear on the job, it is not yet standard across the board.

For those who are considering adopting FR for their on-the-job clothing as electricians, we’ve put together this blog to cover the basics of what you need to know and how to get started with selecting the right protective workwear for you.

What Is FR?

Flame resistant (FR) garments are clothing articles constructed with flame resistant fabrics. The fabrics’ flame resistance is achieved in a couple different ways.

Treated FR refers to fabrics that are made out of fibers that have been treated with a chemical to be flame resistant. Treated cotton FR is one type you may have come across.

Inherent FR fabrics are made from fibers that are intrinsically flame resistant. Modacrylic and aramid fibers are particularly popular inherent FR fibers in the FR industry. Because they are inherently flame resistant, their flame resistant qualities will not wash or wear out.

FR fabrics often contain mixes of FR fibers and other natural and synthetic fibers to create blends that offer the best of each component. For example, modacrylic fibers on their own are not great at moving heat away from the body, but when blended with fibers that allow for more breathability and better moisture management, the fabric can retain the flame resistant benefits of the modacrylic while being comfortable for the wearer.

Protection Ratings for Electrical Risks

There are many different FR products that are rated for different levels of protection and guard against different risks. For electricians, you want to make sure any garment you wear is rated for arc flash protection as well as for flame resistance.

Arc flash protection ratings range from CAT 1 to CAT 4 as defined by NFPA 70e, with CAT 1 offering minimal required protection and CAT 4 the most. CAT 1 and CAT 2 are both achievable with just one layer of garments, whereas CAT 3 and CAT 4 require additional layers. Many companies opt for CAT 2 because of the additional protection available with comparable comfort to CAT 1 products.

Real Risks

Wherever there is a chance of an electrical incident, the person working in that environment should be wearing FR clothing. Sounds excessive? If you think about the level of risk that you’re exposed to with even a common household electrical receptacle, though, it quickly becomes apparent that it is not a hyperbolic suggestion. The typical home receptacle is 15-20 amps. Just two seconds of one-tenth of an amp of electricity going through you is fatal. Shocks that don’t kill you can leave you with devastating burns if you are not wearing protective clothing.

The risks are real: working on energized equipment is extremely dangerous and should be prepared for accordingly, with proper protection.

How to Research and Select FR for Your Work Environment

If you’ve never purchased FR before, the first step is qualifying your environment. What types of equipment are you typically working on? If you’re working on high-energized equipment, then you need FR.

While it’s possible to find clothing labeled as FR at some online retailers, it’s best to find a trusted source that knows the industry and can help you make your selection. If you’re not sure where to start, you can begin by reaching out to whoever you buy other safety products from. And of course, you can always tap into our knowledge bank as FR fabric experts. As fabric manufacturers, we couldn’t sell you anything directly if we wanted to, so you can get your questions answered in a zero-pressure conversation. We can help make sure you don’t wind up with something uncomfortable or with more compliance than you actually need.

When it comes to cost, the highest quality options aren’t always the most expensive. Especially thanks to more recent advancements in FR fabric technologies, there is an abundance of choices available that are more comfortable, protective, and durable than many predecessor products, and sometimes they cost the same or even less than an older option. But when you are on the fence about spending more upfront, it’s helpful to remember that investing in better products usually saves you money in the long run. Cheaper products usually need to be replaced more frequently, and if you don’t like wearing something, how likely are you to wear it correctly, if at all? And what’s more, what’s your safety worth to you?

Staying Safe Is Worth It

The electrical risks electricians face are serious and electricians should have the equipment they need to stay safe, including FR workwear. Your safety is worth taking some time to consider your protection options. If you have questions about selecting garments for electrical work, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here: