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The minimum arc rating required for arc flash personal protective equipment (PPE) in Category 2 is indeed 8 cal/cm². This classification is grounded in the NFPA 70E standard, which provides guidelines for electrical safety in the workplace, including the selection of appropriate PPE based on the potential exposure to arc flash hazards.
Arc flash categories help determine the level of protection needed based on the incident energy exposure levels associated with electrical work. For Category 2, a minimum arc rating of 8 cal/cm² indicates that the clothing and protective gear must protect workers from incidents that could result in a thermal energy exposure at or below this rating during an arc flash event. The establishment of these ratings is crucial in ensuring that workers are adequately protected from severe injuries, including burns, that can result from electrical faults.
Understanding these ratings is vital for compliance with safety standards and for providing adequate protection to employees working near energized equipment.