- IEC 61482 arc-rated clothing
- Class-rated insulating gloves
- Arc face shields and hoods
- Dielectric safety boots
- Cal/cm² or arc class rating
Electrical and arc flash PPE protects people working on or near live equipment from shock and the heat of an arc blast. PPESuppliers.co.za is a free quote-request service for South Africa. Tell us what your electrical team needs and where, and we pass your request to independent PPE suppliers and specialist electrical safety stockists who quote you directly. We do not sell PPE ourselves. There is no charge and no obligation to accept a quote. Compare offers on the same specification. Suppliers can advise on ratings once they know your voltage and tasks.
Shock and arc flash are different hazards
Shock happens when current passes through the body. Arc flash is an explosive release of heat, light and pressure when a fault arcs across conductors. It can burn clothing and skin in a fraction of a second, even at a distance.
Insulated tools and gloves guard against shock. Arc-rated clothing, face shields and hoods guard against the arc. Many tasks need both. A risk assessment of the equipment and the task decides which. Never treat ordinary cotton workwear as protection against an arc.
Electrical safety also depends on procedure: isolation, lock-out and testing for dead come first, and PPE is the last line of defence, not a substitute.
What electrical PPE includes
- Insulating rubber gloves with leather over-gloves. Gloves are class-rated by working voltage, and each class has a test and re-test period.
- Arc-rated clothing: jackets, trousers, coveralls or full arc suits, rated by incident energy, normally to IEC 61482.
- Face shields and arc hoods that fit on a hard hat.
- Dielectric safety boots without exposed metal, with an electrical hazard rating.
- Insulating mats and sleeves for certain panel work.
- Hard hats rated for electrical work, and safety glasses.
Avoid synthetic underwear that melts. Natural fibres or arc-rated base layers are safer.
Ratings and checking the kit
Arc-rated garments carry a rating, either an arc rating in cal/cm² or an arc protection class, which must be at least equal to the incident energy at the work point. A site arc flash study gives that number. Pass the figure to suppliers so they quote the right category, not a guess.
Insulating gloves must be inspected before each use and tested at set intervals by an accredited laboratory. Ask whether suppliers offer testing, glove bags and storage. Store rubber goods flat or hung away from sunlight, oil and heat. Damaged items must be removed from service, not patched.
What affects the quote
We do not quote prices here. Cost depends on the arc rating, the glove class, how many electricians you equip, the number of sizes and whether you want full suits or separate garments. Include voltage levels, the incident energy from your study if you have it, and the tasks involved, such as switching, racking or live testing. Add your site address and any deadline linked to a shutdown or audit. Suppliers can then advise on matching hoods, gloves and clothing, and on re-testing for items you already own.
Comparing electrical PPE quotes
PPE prices move with fabric, leather and rubber costs, the exchange rate and stock levels. When quotes arrive, check:
- Exact item and standard: the product, the standard or rating it is certified to, and an NRCS letter of authority where one is required.
- Sizes and quantities: price per unit or per pack, size runs available and any minimum order.
- Stock or lead time: ex stock, or imported or made to order, and how long that takes.
- Delivery and VAT: delivery to site, branding costs, whether VAT is included and how long the price holds.
What to include in your request
- State the voltage and the incident energy, if known.
- List the tasks, such as switching or live testing.
- Give glove class and size for each electrician.
- Say whether you want full suits or separate garments.
- Mention any need for glove testing services.
Frequently asked questions
Do you sell arc flash PPE?
How do I choose an arc rating?
Do insulating gloves expire?
Are normal safety boots good enough?
Electrical and Arc Flash PPE by province
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE Gauteng
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE Mpumalanga
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE North West
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE Limpopo
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE Northern Cape
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE Free State
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE KwaZulu-Natal
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE Eastern Cape
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE Western Cape
Electrical and Arc Flash PPE by city and town
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Johannesburg
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Pretoria
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Centurion
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Midrand
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Sandton
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Randburg
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Roodepoort
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Krugersdorp
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Randfontein
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Germiston
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Boksburg
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Benoni
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Kempton Park
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Alberton
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Vanderbijlpark
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Vereeniging
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Middelburg
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Secunda
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Rustenburg
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Brits
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Klerksdorp
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Potchefstroom
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Polokwane
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Tzaneen
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Lephalale
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Kimberley
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Kathu
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Upington
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Bloemfontein
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Welkom
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Sasolburg
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Durban
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Pinetown
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Pietermaritzburg
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Richards Bay
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Newcastle
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Ladysmith
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in East London
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Cape Town
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Bellville
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Paarl
- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Stellenbosch
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- Electrical and Arc Flash PPE in Worcester
