SEDL / STP / STP1133-EB / STP19164S

Evaluating the TPP of Clothing Exposed to Electric Arcs: A Standard Laboratory Test Apparatus

King, MW
Associate ProfessorVisiting Professor, University of ManitobaBiomaterials Institute, Laval University, Winnipeg, MBQuebec, QC

Menzies, RW
Full Professor, Power Systems Group, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

Soroka, AJ
Research Scientist, E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. Inc., Wilmington, DE

Dirks, E
Research Associate, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

Chen, R
Research Associate, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

Sun, Y
Research Associate, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB

Pages: 16    Published: Jan 1992

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Abstract

Persons required to work close to live electrical distribution lines, transformers and switching equipment are exposed to the risk of burn injuries resulting from accidental electric arcs or flashovers. In order to facilitate the process of designing suitable clothing for protection against such brief high energy exposures, it would be desirable to have an apparatus and test method that could simulate this type of exposure in a routine laboratory environment. This paper reports a major step forward in the design of such testing equipment. The Manitoba Electric Arc TPP (MEAT) tester can reproduce a pre-set arc power with an accuracy of ±5% and deliver incident flux densities in the range of 12–84 kW/m² (0.3–2.0 cal/cm².s). Through the use of specially designed software the apparatus will automatically calculate and report the protection time and TPP rating of single fabrics, multilayer assemblies and clothing components. The MEAT tester and proposed test method are currently being considered for incorporation into an ASTM standard.