IEC 61482-1-1:2019 – does your Arc Flash protection meet the new testing standard?

EN 61482 – Does Your Arc Flash Protection Meet the Latest Testing Standard?

Arc flash is one of the most dangerous hazards electrical workers face. The right PPE can make the difference between walking away and sustaining life-changing injuries. That’s why understanding how your clothing is tested – and to which standard – is essential.

Both ATPV and ELIM measure the arc thermal performance of PPE, but they mean slightly different things:

• ATPV – The incident energy level at which there is a 50% probability of a second-degree burn.
• ELIM – The maximum incident energy level below which the risk of a second-degree burn is kept extremely low – less than 5% probability under real-world conditions.

It’s critical to understand the differences between ELIM and APTV so that your risk assessment can specify the right protection for your people. Only under the new Open Arc Test (IEC 61482-1-1:2019) can the ELIM value be derived. Arc flash garments can be tested by two methods – Open Arc or Box Test. You can read about the detail of the Arc Flash tests in our guide here.

From IEC 61482-1-1:2019 to EN 61482 – What Changed? 

In 2019, the IEC 61482-1-1:2019 standard was introduced to improve how arc flash PPE performance is measured. This update brought in a more conservative incident energy rating called ELIM (Incident Energy Limit) alongside the existing ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value).

Since then, the standard has evolved and is now incorporated into EN 61482 – the current European standard. While the core principles remain the same, EN 61482 ensures PPE testing is aligned across Europe, maintaining rigorous protection benchmarks for workers in high-risk environments.

Why This Matters to You

If your PPE is still certified to the old IEC 61482-1-1:2009 standard, it may not provide the same level of tested assurance as PPE meeting EN 61482. Standards evolve for a reason – to keep up with research, improve testing accuracy, and give you the best possible protection.

By choosing PPE tested to EN 61482 (and checking both ATPV and ELIM ratings), you can be confident your kit has been measured against the latest benchmarks for arc flash safety.

The Bottom Line

Arc flash protection is about reducing the likelihood of life-changing injuries. The move from IEC 61482-1-1:2019 to EN 61482 reflects an ongoing commitment to better safety. Make sure your PPE meets the latest EN 61482 standard.

Remember:

• ATPV = 50% burn probability at the rating.
• ELIM = Less than 5% burn probability at the rating.