ASTM F2178-08

This test method is intended for the determination of the arc rating of a product/design, intended for use as eye or face protection for workers exposed to electric arcs.

Because of the variability of the arc exposure, different heat transmission values may be observed at individual sensors. The results of each sensor are evaluated in accordance with Section 12.

This test method maintains the specimen in a static, vertical position and does not involve movement except that resulting from the exposure.

This test method specifies a standard set of exposure conditions. Different exposure conditions may produce different results.

This specification covers the minimum performance criteria for arc resistance and other requirements for eye or face protective products used by workers who may be exposed to thermal hazards of momentary electric arcs or flame.

The purchaser has the option to perform or have performed any of these tests in order to verify the performance of the eye or face protective product. Claims for failure to meet the specification are subject to verification by the manufacturer.

Note 1—In addition to the standard set of exposure conditions, other conditions representative of the expected hazard may be used and shall be reported should this data be cited.

1.1 This test method and product specification is used to measure the arc rating and specify the requirements for products intended for use as eye or face protection for workers exposed to electric arcs that would generate heat flux values from 84 to 25 120 kW/m² [2 to 600 cal/cm²s]. Products are tested as sold.

1.2 This test method determines an arc rating for eye or face protective products. The faceshield, safety spectacle, goggle or or other applicable portions of the complete product must meet ANSI Z87.1. This excludes the textile or non ANSI Z87.1 testable parts of the hood assemblies or other tested products. This standard does not measure optical and impact properties (see ANSI Z87.1) but does specify requirements for optical and impact properties.

1.3 The materials covered by this standard are in the form of faceshields attached to the head by protective helmets (hard hats), headgear, hood assemblies, safety spectacles or goggles. Faceshields, safety spectacles or goggles are tested with or without other face and head protective products, for example, sock hoods, balaclavas, sweat shirt hoods or jacket hoods.

1.3.1 Fabric layers used in hood assemblies or other items tested under this standard shall meet the requirements of Specification F 1506.

1.4 This test method shall be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to convective and radiant energy generated by an electric arc under controlled laboratory conditions and does not purport to predict damage from light other than the thermal aspects measured.

1.5 The values stated in SI units shall be regarded as standard except as noted. Within the text, alternate units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may no be exact equivalents; therefore, alternate systems must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the systems described in the text may result in nonconformance with the method.

1.6 This standard does not purport to describe or appraise the effect of the electric arc fragmentation explosion and subsequent molten metal splatter, which involves the pressure wave containing molten metals and possible fragments of other materials except to the extent that heat energy transmission due to these arc explosion phenomena is reduced by test specimens.

1.7 This standard shall not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautions, see Section 7.