What must garments worn over arc-rated clothing be made from?

Garments worn over arc-rated clothing must be made from arc-rated material. This is crucial because the primary purpose of arc-rated clothing is to provide protection against electric arc hazards by reducing the severity of burns and other injuries from arc flash incidents. When layered with other protective garments, it's important that the outer layer is also arc-rated to maintain the protective characteristics of the underlying clothing.

If garments worn over arc-rated clothing were made from non-arc-rated materials, they could compromise the overall protection, potentially allowing for higher levels of heat transfer and increased risk of injury in the event of an arc flash. Therefore, ensuring that all layers of clothing provide the necessary protection is vital for maintaining electrical safety in the workplace.

This approach aligns with the NFPA 70E standards for electrical safety, which emphasize the importance of protective clothing systems designed to mitigate risks associated with electrical hazards.