Arc Flash Reference

Arc rating

Updated 2026-10-27

Data records

  • Arc rating is the value attributed to an arc-rated material or clothing system that states the incident energy it can be exposed to before the onset of a second-degree burn or breakopen under the fabric and garment test methods; protective clothing for arc flash work is selected so that its arc rating meets or exceeds the estimated incident energy. Source: Electrical Testing Reference editorial taxonomy, 2026-10 edition. Verified 2026-10-27. Record gloss.arc-rating.definition
  • Under NFPA 70E-2027 the arc rating of the clothing system is the quantity both selection methods resolve to: Table 130.5(G) requires arc-rated clothing rated at or above the estimated incident energy, Table 130.7(C)(15)(c) lists a minimum arc rating for each PPE category, and clause 130.5(H) allows the minimum arc rating of clothing as one of the items on the equipment label. Source: NFPA 70E-2027, clause 130.5(G). Verified 2026-10-27. Record gloss.arc-rating.nfpa70e.selection

Sources

  • Electrical Testing Reference editorial taxonomy, Electrical Testing Reference editorial taxonomy of test methods, 2026-10 edition, Electrical Testing Reference. Held as: Own observation.
  • NFPA 70E-2027, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2027 edition, NFPA. Cited: clause 130.5(G). Held as: Purchased single-user copy. Publisher page for NFPA 70E-2027

Obtaining the documents

Changelog (2 entries)
DateRevisionChange
2026-10-27created (gloss.arc-rating.definition)
2026-10-27created (gloss.arc-rating.nfpa70e.selection)

Cite this page

Cite the governing standard for the fact itself; cite this page as the finding aid.

"Arc rating." Arc Flash Reference. 2026-10-27. https://www.arcflashreference.com/glossary/arc-rating/.