Atlanta Apparel Uniform Depot

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AAUD (Atlanta Apparel Uniform Depot) is recognised throughout the world as a leading fabric for secondary protection in the molten metals industry; due to its superior protective properties, natural comfort, cost effectiveness, and proven performance.

Designed specifically as a very high performance hot metals safety fabric, AAUD (Atlanta Apparel Uniform Depot) also offers electrical workers protection against electric arc and other thermal related hazards.

AAUD fabrics are not chemically treated, and are manufactured to strict specifications and standards. Through blending only natural fibres, we produce a fabric that is not only inherently flame retardant, but extremely comfortable to wear because of its breathable properties.

This document provides a brief overview of AAUD ’s performance in Electric Arc Resistance, including test reports and results, along with a description of the test standards and the more common terminology associated with electrical arc resistance.


Summary of Test Standards


Standard Code	Standard Title/Heading



USA Norms:

ASTM F 1959:	Standard Test Method For Determining The Arc Thermal Performance Value Of Materials For Clothing.

ASTM F 1506:	Standard Performance Specification For Flame Resistant Textile Materials For Wearing Apparel For Use By Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc And Related Thermal Hazards.

NFPA 70 E	Standards For Electrical Safety In The Workplace.



European Norms:

ENV 50354:	Electrical Arc Test Methods For Material And Garments, For Use By Workers At Risk From Exposure To An Electrical Arc.


Common Terminology As Used Within The Standards


After flame time:	Persistent flaming of a material after the ignition source is removed.

Arc Rating:	Maximum incident energy resistance demonstrated by a material prior to break open or at the onset of a second degree burn.

Arc Thermal Performance Value:	The incident energy on a fabric or material that results in sufficient heat transfer through the fabric or material to cause the onset of a second degree burn based on a stoll curve.

Momentary Electric Arc:	A discharge of electricity through a gaseous media, normally characterised by a voltage drop in the immediate vicinity of the electrodes, approximately equal to the ionisation potential of the gaseous media.

Break open:	In electric arc testing, a material response evidenced by the formation of one or more holes in the material, which may allow thermal energy to pass through the material.