New Test Principles for Hand Protective Equipment against the Thermal Hazards of an Electric Fault Arc

Important components of PPE against the thermal hazards of an electric fault arc are efficient hand protective items tested and certificated. The new Test Principles GS-ET-42: 2019-02 issued by the testing and certification body of the committee for electrical engineering in DGUV TEST are aimed to achieve arc thermal protection: they are supplemental requirements applicable for electrically insulating gloves (GS-ET-42-1) and heat-protective gloves (GS-ET-42-2) worn when working where a risk of electric arcing exists. These supplemental requirements compliment EN 60903 or EN 407, respectively, in order to achieve conformity with PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Testing is based upon EN 61482-1-2:2014-10 (Box Test). In the paper the test stand, set-up, test procedure and assessment of the test results are explained and discussed. The Test Principles are proposed as a base for an international standard.