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ATPV VS. EBT: ARC RATINGS EXPLAINED

 * Post author:Arcwear
 * Post published:June 30, 2016
 * Post category:Uncategorized
 * Post comments:3 Comments


ASTM STANDARD DEFINITIONS:

ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) is the incident energy on a material that
results in a 50% probability that sufficient heat transfer through the specimen
is predicted to cause the onset of second-degree burn injury based on the Stoll
Curve, cal/cm².



Energy Breakopen Threshold (EBT) The incident energy on a material that results
in a 50% probability of breakopen. Breakopen is defined as any open area at
least 1.6 cm² (0.5 in.




WHICH IS BETTER?

The question often arises as to whether an Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV)
or an Energy Breakopen Threshold (EBT) is better protection in a garment system.
When  ASTM F1959 / F1959M (the Standard Test Method for Determining the Arc
Rating of Materials for Clothing) was in development, we quickly recognized that
some materials reach the skin burn prediction threshold (also called the Stoll
Curve) before they “broke open” and others would not. Initially, these differing
results became two ratings; an ATPV and an EBT. One was marketed as “better”
than the other because some materials tested did not exhibit the “breakopen”
phenomena before they reached the skin burn prediction threshold. This belief
was erroneous and it was later determined that every fiber type
could breakopen before the burn prediction level was reached. This happened most
commonly in knits vs. wovens; knit materials typically receive an Arc Rating
(EBT) rather than an Arc Rating (ATPV).  Both are Arc Ratings and both are
applicable for use in hazard assessment; they are functional equivalents.

Each construction and all fibers have advantages and disadvantages. The
committee decided to encompass both ATPV and EBT and rename the term “Arc
Rating”. After much consideration, the committee decided to leave the terms EBT
and ATPV as a subscript or an addendum to the Arc Rating. Both are a 50%
probability of the behavior at which the material compared to a burn model can
cross the second-degree burn threshold under the tested conditions (this does
NOT mean you have a 50% chance of receiving a second-degree burn). The EBT rated
material has not exhibited second-degree burn threshold crossing on the sensors
because the material has a one inch (2.5 cm) crack or a ½ square inch hole which
is not directly over the sensor. Theoretically, if this had happened over the
sensor a burn would be predicted, so the rating is cut off at this point. Both
EBT and ATPV Arc Ratings are expressed in calorie/cm²; the lowest of the two is
always reported. While the material receives either an EBT or an ATPV as the Arc
Rating, both can be reported from testing. Only the lowest can be used as the
Arc Rating on the clothing label according to the ASTM F1506 specification and
as specified by NFPA 70E and CSA Z462. The same is true in the ISO/IEC 61482-1-1
standard.

 


A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

EBT means the fabric has NOT recorded a burn. The fabric has not superheated to
the point of causing a burn reading on the sensor and only has a VERY small hole
in it.

 1. ATPV is a 50% probability of the sensor crossing the Stoll Curve 
 2. Arcs are VERY focused events and the worst energy is usually in the area of
    about the size two opened human hands. Prevention of ignition of garments
    and undergarments usually guarantees survival. Limiting burns to a small
    surface area makes for a better outcome. Prevention of all burns is great,
    but uncovered skin is likely to be burned.
 3. The arc rating is a comparative rating and has been proven to be VERY
    conservative. Most incidents investigated result in little or NO burns when
    the arc rating has been matched by the PPE. The calculation methods build in
    factors which have historically overprotected in almost all the cases.
     Typically, only “ejected arcs” (which are quite rare in working
    conditions), “tracking arcs” (high voltage arcs, >600V, in which the worker
    makes contact with the conductor) and oil filled equipment explosions
    produce energy higher than predicted by software. Over-dressing can lead to
    sweating, which frequently lowers clothing protection values.


THE BIG PICTURE

ATPV and EBT are both evaluated in the same test, but the first point to be
reached is reported as the Arc Rating. If the material has more thermal
insulative value than its tensile strength to heat, it exhibits breakopen first
and receives an EBT rating. If the opposite is true, it will typically predict
burns BEFORE it exhibits breakopen. Which is better? Neither! Wearing the PPE
and matching to the hazard is the critical point.

If an EBT value is determined and it is found to be equal to or below a
determined ATPV, then the EBT value shall be reported as the arc rating value
and noted as Arc Rating (EBT).

If an EBT value is determined and it is found to be above a determined ATPV,
then the ATPV result shall be reported as the Arc Rating (ATPV) of the tested
specimen.

Another way to look at these numbers:

Arc Rating can be of two types:

 * ATPV: This is 50% probability of predicted second-degree burn in the 8kA arc
   test on a flat panel.
 * EBT: This is the 50% probability of a one inch crack in the material.

Neither is better. Basically, EBT fabrics are typically more insulative than
they are strong and ATPV materials are stronger than they are insulative.
Usually, EBT indicates the garment is a knit and is more comfortable but
essentially no less protective to the user.

 

For more detail and introduction to Energy Limit (ELIM) in IEC 61482-1-1,
Pre-Ablation Burn and Arc Rating Limit (ARLIM) in ASTM F1959 and ASTM F2178, see
our videos below.

 

 


Tags: arc flash, arc flash rating, arc rating, arc testing, arc testing arc
flash, atpv, EBT, electric arc flash


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THIS POST HAS 3 COMMENTS

 1. Kovacek January 14, 2021 Reply
    
    
    good see this information on internet

    
 2. syed zaman April 7, 2022 Reply
    
    
    Really good information.
    
    1. brian April 19, 2022 Reply
       
       
       Thank you, Syed! Let us know if we can help bring clarity to any other
       questions you have on Arc Ratings or PPE.
    
       
    


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