Arc-Rated Clothing: Care & Laundering

Arc-rated (AR) and flame-resistant (FR) clothing can save your life in an arc flash or flash fire, but only if it is clean, intact and worn correctly. Poor laundering or contamination can make protective clothing dangerous.

• Electricians
• Utility Workers
• Oil & Gas

Know what you have

• Read the label for the arc rating in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm2) and the care instructions. See Arc Flash PPE Categories.
• Arc-rated is for electrical arc hazards; flame-resistant covers flash fire. Some garments meet both. See Flame-Resistant Clothing.
• Different fabrics (inherent versus treated) have different wash rules.

Laundering

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Wash separately from everyday clothes to avoid contamination.
• Use regular detergent. Avoid fabric softener, starch and chlorine bleach (and bleach on treated fabrics) unless the maker permits them; they can reduce protection or leave a coating that burns.
• Pre-treat stains with approved cleaners. Do not use solvents or fuel to remove grease.
• Heavily soiled with oil, grease, fuel or chemicals? Wash right away, or do not wear it again until it is clean. Flammable contamination makes clothing hazardous and it may need to be replaced.
• Dry as instructed; avoid very high heat on treated fabrics.
• Industrial laundries that specialize in FR garments can help.

Inspect and repair

• Before each wear, look for holes, thin spots, tears, burns, worn cuffs, damaged zippers and snaps, and unraveling seams
• Check labels are readable so you know the rating
• Repair only with FR-rated thread, fabric and trims, using the maker's repair methods
• Remove clothing with melted areas, heavy fading or damage from service
• Replace when worn out or no longer fitting well

Wearing it right

• Wear it closed and fastened, with sleeves down and collars up as designed.
• Fit comfortably with room for air gap between clothing layers, but not loose enough to snag.
• Wear natural fibers or FR-rated underlayers underneath. Synthetics like nylon, polyester and spandex can melt onto skin. Check that undergarments, socks and belts are also non-melting.
• Do not wear metal jewelry or conductive items with electrical work.
• Layer arc-rated garments only as a rated system (combined ratings are not simply added).
• Do not wear AR clothing where it can be contaminated with flammable materials.

Last updated: October 8, 2026