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ELIM AND FLASH PROTECTION

What is ELIM in arc flash testing? 

ELIM, stands for "Energy Limit Value," and is a critical term in arc flash testing and electrical safety. It represents a conservative measure used to determine the protective performance of materials and clothing against the severe hazards of an arc flash. An arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy through the air, producing intense heat, light, sound, and pressure, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

 

ELIM is defined as:


•    The highest incident energy level that a material or garment can withstand without exceeding the injury risk threshold represented by the Stoll Curve, which predicts the likelihood of second-degree burns.
•    The energy limit at which the material maintains its integrity and does not break open during testing.

ELIM acts as a reliable benchmark for ensuring worker safety by identifying the threshold below which protective clothing and materials remain effective, thereby minimising the risk of injuries in high-energy electrical environments.

Eliminate the risk of second-degree burns through ELIM 

In terms of arc flash protection, three different classifications are used to describe how much energy a garment can withstand: ATPV, EBT, and ELIM.

 

ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value):

Indicates the arc energy that the garment can protect against when there is a 50% probability of the wearer suffering a second-degree burn.

EBT (Energy Breakopen Threshold): 

Indicates the arc energy that the garment can protect against when there is a 50% probability of the fabric breaking, which can lead to a second-degree burn.

ELIM (Incident Energy Limit):

Represents the maximum amount of arc energy that a protective garment can withstand with 0% risk of a second degree burn or fabric breakage.



The PPE regulation requires that the risk of injury should be 0%, this is the reason why ELIM has been developed. While ATPV and EBT define the level of protection based on probabilities of damage or material failure, ELIM provides a clearer safety limit that fulfils the zero risk requirement. 

Layer-Up with Tranemo Skinsafe™


To achieve the right protection, we recommend a layer-on-layer system, such as Tranemo Skinsafe™ for arc flash. It is important to know that layer-on-layer combinations need to be tested and certified separately to determine their actual level of protection, as the results for individual garments cannot always be transferred to a combination.
In order to give a correct ELIM value for a garment combination, tests according to the EN IEC 61482-1-1 test method are required, where the whole combination is exposed to arc conditions.
At Tranemo, we always test our garment combinations to ensure they meet the correct ELIM value and are adapted for specific risk areas. By doing this we follow the latest version of EN 61482-2:2020, EN 61482-2:2020 complies with the PPE regulation.

Improve your safety with the right Flame Retardant garment


To ensure proper protection, make sure that all thermal heat flame retardant clothing has an ELIM value at the garment level. By using PPE that fulfils the EN 61482-2:2020 standard, you can eliminate the risk of second-degree burns and protect your workers from arc flash-related accidents.

Filter Flame Retardant clothing by ELIM value on our website
To easily find flame retardant clothing that meets your safety requirements, you can filter our products by ELIM value on our website. This makes it easy to find garments that provide the protection required to reduce the risk of burns and ensure you have the right protection for your working environment.

FAQ about ELIM and Flame Retardant workwear

ELIM represents the maximum amount of arc flash energy that a protective garment can withstand without the risk of second degree burns exceeding 0%. 

ATPV indicates the arc energy at which there is a 50% risk of burn injury, while EBT indicates the energy level at which the fabric breaks with the same probability. ELIM, on the other hand, defines the maximum amount of arc energy that a protective garment can withstand with a 0% chance of a second-degree burn or fabric breakage.

Arc flash protective clothing must comply with EN 61482-2:2020, which sets requirements for protection against thermal hazards from electric arcs.

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