ASTM F2676 Addresses Arc Protective Blanket Effectiveness
August 7, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
ASTM International issued ASTM F2676, a standard to determine the effectiveness of arc protective blankets in suppressing the combined effect of an arc flash and an arc blast.
Arc protective blankets are used in electrical applications to protect workers who are stationed near energized electrical parts. While these blankets have been used for years, experts said there have been no testing criteria for their evaluation.
ASTM F2676 - Test Method for Determining the Protective Performance of an Arc Protective Blanket for Electric Arc Hazards was developed by Subcommittee F18.65 on Wearing Apparel, part of ASTM Committee F18 on Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers.
"Now companies have the ability to evaluate blankets with a repeatable standard that can be done at many test labs using an electric arc and a high speed camera," said Hugh Hoagland, a member of F18.
"Research showed the most critical factor was the current in amps and the time exposed," he said. "Now blankets can be compared."
While ASTM F2676 will be initially used by utility companies, Hoagland said electricity users in heavy industry will also benefit from being able to reference the new standard.
Subcommittee F18.65 is continuing its research in blanket use and care, according to ASTM, and it next plans to investigate how blanket installation affects protection and how to further quantify protection.
Source: ASTM International.