5.1 This test method is intended for the determination of the arc rating of a hand protective product material, or a combination of hand protective product materials.

5.1.1 Because of the variability of the arc exposure, different heat transmission values are observed at individual sensors. Evaluate the results of each sensor in accordance with Section 12.

5.2 This test method maintains the specimen in a static, vertical position and does not involve movement except that resulting from the exposure.

5.3 This test method specifies a standard set of exposure conditions. Different exposure conditions have the potential to produce different results. In addition to the standard set of exposure conditions, other conditions are allowed and shall be documented in the reporting of the testing results.

1.1 This test method is used to determine the arc rating of hand protective products in the form of gloves, glove materials, glove material systems, or other protective products designed to fit on the hand and specifically intended for electric arc flash protection use as protective accessories for workers exposed to electric arcs. The arc rating is determined in the test with an arc that has a heat flux value of 2100 kW/m² [50 cal/cm²/s].

1.2 This test method will determine the arc rating of hand protective products made of materials that meet the following requirements for flame resistance: less than 150 mm [6 in.] char length, less than 2 s afterflame and no melt and drip when tested in accordance with Test Method D6413, receive a reported 50 % probability of ignition of a material or flammable underlayer (see definition of ignition₅₀) by this method, or that have been evaluated and pass the ignition withstand requirements of this test method.

1.2.1 It is the intent of this test method to be used for hand protective products that are flame resistant or that have an adequate flame resistance for the required hazard (see 1.2). Non-flame resistant hand protective products may be used as under layers in multiple-layer systems or tested for ignition probability or ignition withstand.

1.2.2 Hand protective products tested by this test method are new and ratings received by this method may be reduced or eliminated by hydrocarbon loading (gasoline, diesel fuel, transformer oil, etc.), sweat, dirt, grease, or other contaminants. The end user takes responsibility for use of hand protective products tested by this method when contaminated in such a manner that could reduce or eliminate the arc rating of the hand protective products.

1.2.3 This test method is designed to provide information for gloves used for electric arc protection only. This test method is not suitable for determining electrical protective properties of hand protective products.

1.3 This test method is used to measure and describe the properties of hand protective products in response to convective and radiant energy generated by an electric arc under controlled laboratory conditions.

1.4 This test method does not apply to electrical contact or electrical shock hazards.

1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined

1.6 This standard shall not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire assessment that takes into account all of the factors, which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautions, see Section 7.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.