Meeting NFPA 70E Standards Through Layered Protection

Worker protection is a top priority. But what meets your safety needs today might not be right tomorrow. Layering garments made with DuPont™ Nomex® helps improve your protective apparel program and helps give you the flexibility to meet varying hazard needs. And because workers are wearing ideal garments for the job—not a single, heavier garment—comfort and performance are improved.

A simple formula for finding protection for the job

The following chart shows examples of typical garments to wear over a base garment system made of Nomex® or Protera® fabric to comply with NFPA 70E electric arc Hazard/Risk Categories 1, 2 and 3. 

Once you know your personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, select the base garment you are using (or considering for use) from the left column of the chart. Then, using Hazard/Risk Category 1, 2 or 3 color coding, find your highest risk. The appropriate outer garment or garments for layering with the base garment are found at the top of the chart.

Please note:

• All items are ATPV.

• NFPA 70E Hazard/Risk Categories cover a range of arc ratings.

• For a more precise determination of your needs, you should run a thorough hazard analysis.

• In addition to garments, other PPE must be used for NFPA 70E compliance.

• These are typical arc ratings, provided as guidance to aid you in your selection.

• ASTM "F-1959" test method was used to obtain arc range on one or more test sample sets.

• Refer to garment manufacturer’s label for the exact arc rating of a single-layer garment or multiple-layer garment.

The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and based on technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable. It is intended for use by persons having technical skill and at their own discretion and risk. Because conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no warranties, express or implied, and assumes no liability in connection with any use of this information. Nothing herein is to be taken as license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patents or trademarks.