Electric ARC Face Shields and Face Protection

Elvex ARC-Shield™ Face Protection

What is an Arc Flash Hazard?

An arc flash hazard is a dangerous condition associated with the release of energy caused by an electric arc. This explosive condition includes a broad spectrum of electromagnetic energy, plasma, fragments and a spray of molten materials.

Check out our Electric ARC Hood product line!


*CU-ARC-1, Kit-1: FS-18ARC10, on* *Visor Bracket, VB-30, and Cap mounted* *with Slot Adapters, SA-30.*	CU-ARC-2, Kit-2: *Elvex ARC-Shield, FS-18ARC10, on Visor Bracket, VB-30, and Cap mounted earmuffs, HM-2030.*

*CU-ARC-3, Kit-3: Elvex ARC-Shield, FS-20ARC10, on Visor Bracket, VB-10, mounted* *with earmuffs, HM-2030.*	CU-ARC-4, Kit-4: *Elvex ARC-Shield, FS-20ARC10, on Visor Bracket, VB-30, and Cap mounted earmuffs, HM-2030.*

Kits Available:

Product Name	Product Number	Product Description	Suggested List Price
Molded Specialty Face Shields	FS-20ARC10	ARC-Shield, with chin protector, NFPA 70E risk category 2, molded, PC, AF coated (fits only VB visor brackets),10" x 18.5" x .075" (12 cal/cm²)	$51.20
Molded Specialty Face Shields	FS-21ARC10	Replacement ARC-Shield for FS-20ARC10 (VB-10/20/30 only)	$44.75
Arc Flash Kits	CU-ARC-1	10 CAL rated FS-18ARC10, Helmet, Balaclava,Accessories	$100.00
Arc Flash Kits	CU-ARC-2	10 CAL rated FS-18ARC10, Helmet, Balaclava,Accessories, Cap Muffs *	$115.00
Arc Flash Kits	CU-ARC-3	12 CAL rated FS-20ARC10, Helmet, Balaclava,Accessories	$105.00
Arc Flash Kits	CU-ARC-4	12 CAL rated FS-20ARC10, Helmet, Balaclava,Accessories, Cap Muffs *	$121.50
Arc Flash Kit Accessories	HD-ARC-FR3	Balaclava, Double Ply Hood, Arc Rated	$38.25

* includes HM-20 Cap Mounted Muffs, 25 NRR.

Key Benefits

Protection value (ATPV) for Elvex FS-18ARC10 Shield is 10 cal/cm²
Protection value (ATPV) for Elvex FS-20ARC10 Shield is labeled 12 cal/cm². This model is equipped with chin protector.
Shields come with standard anti-fog coating
Shields fit Elvex Visor Bracket (VB-10, VB-20, VB-30) for mounting to safety caps
Face and hearing protection can be used simultaneously on safety caps
Elvex system can be adapted to most major brands of slotted safety caps
Complete kits, consisting of helmet, visor and visor bracket, and optional hearing protection are available. Description below.

Who is exposed to Electric ARC Hazard?

Electrical workers, linesmen and electricians working with high voltage connections are sometimes exposed to the sudden release of energy that occurs during an electrical arc. This is a very dangerous condition, that can result in serious burns and death. There has long been requirements established for safety clothing to be used by these workers, but from January 1, 2003, it is required that electrical workers use face protection meeting similar requirements. The National Fire Protection Association's standard 70E-2008 (originally 2003) establishes Hazard or Risk categories, as shown in the table below. Elvex ARC-Shields are suitable for use in hazard/risk categories 1 and 2. The minimum Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) has been established to be 5 cal/cm² and 8 cal/cm² for these two risk categories. (Cal/cm² stands for calories per square centimeter).

Face & Head Protection Matrix adapted from NFPA 70E-2008

Highlighted area shows Hazard/Risk Categories where NFPA 70E-2008 considers Arc shields as adequate protection.

Hazard/Risk Category adapted from NFPA 70E-2008	Head and Face Protection adapted from NFPA 70E-2008	Minimum ATPV in cal/cm²
0	Safety helmet, Safety glasses, ARC shield optional	N/A
1	Safety helmet, Safety glasses, Arc shield, Balaclava hood	4
2	Safety helmet, Safety glasses, Arc shield, Balaclava hood	8
2*	Safety helmet, Safety glasses, Balaclava hood, FS-20ARC10 Shield, Hearing protection	8
3	Safety helmet, Safety glasses, Multi layer switch hood, Hearing protection	25
4	Safety helmet, Safety glasses, Multi layer switch hood, Hearing protection	40

Make sure that you use a balaclava hood that is tested and NFPA approved. Elvex does not sell a balaclava hood.

Download NFPA Chart (Pdf) showing examples of jobs/tasks and corresponding Hazard/Risk Category rating

Download 2010 test report for Elvex FS-18ARC10 ARC shields, Visor Bracket and hearing protection.

Download 2009 test report of Elvex FS-20ARC10 ARC shields, Visor Bracket.

Watch NIOSH educational video about ARC Flash hazard

Below you will find two full length videos of testing of Elvex ARC shields and cap mounted ear muffs to NFPA 70E-2008.

The test follows the procedure of ASTM F2178-02 to determine the arc rating for the lens. This test is intended to measure the burn threshold and heat attenuation factor of the lens and observe any adverse reactions of the materials or integrity of the attachment brackets.

An unknown ARC flash situation shown on YouTube:

Hazard Risk Assessment

The user must perform a hazard risk assessment to determine the level of exposure and need. This task can be accomplished with the proper training and software. More information is available at the following websites

Arc Wear, www.arcwear.com
National Fire Protection Association, www.nfpa.org