Jackets
Flame Resistant Jackets & FR Coats - Arc Flash Outerwear
Flame resistant jackets and coats are the outermost layer of arc flash and flash fire protection for workers in cold or outdoor environments. Like all FR clothing, these garments are engineered to resist ignition, self-extinguish, and not melt or drip — preventing the outer layer from contributing to or worsening thermal burn injuries during arc flash or flash fire events. FR jackets are certified to NFPA 70E (arc flash) and NFPA 2112 (flash fire), with arc ratings ranging from 8 cal/cm² (CAT 2) for general utility use up to 40+ cal/cm² (CAT 4) for high-energy switchgear and substation work.
Our FR jacket collection includes multiple outerwear styles matched to different job conditions:
- FR Bomber Jackets — waist-length, generous cut over FR layers, ideal for most utility and electrical maintenance applications. Available in navy, hi-vis yellow/green, and standard work colors.
- FR Parkas — hip to thigh length for maximum cold-weather coverage. Insulated options provide rated warmth alongside arc flash protection for outdoor winter work on substations, drilling rigs, and pipeline sites.
- FR Soft Shells — lightweight, wind-resistant stretch outer layers that allow full range of motion for linemen and field technicians. Often water-repellent with inherent or treated FR fabric.
- FR Windbreakers — uninsulated outer shells offering arc flash protection against light rain and wind, sized to wear over full FR work attire.
When worn as part of a layered arc-rated system, an FR jacket's arc rating applies only to the jacket alone — a combined system rating requires tested and certified garment combinations. All FR jackets must be worn over non-melting base and mid-layers per NFPA 70E Article 130.7. Use the filters on this page to sort by arc rating, FR certification, style, and brand. Key brands in this category include Bulwark, OccuNomix, Portwest, NASCO, and Neese Industries.
For cold-weather layering, pair FR jackets with our FR sweatshirts and hoodies as a mid-layer, and FR shirts as a base layer. For complete lower-body protection, see FR bib overalls and FR pants.
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Big Bill FR UltraSoft Jacket L2N1US7
Big Bill
$168.42 - $202.10The L2N1US7 by Big Bill is a flame resistant lined jacket. This style design is made with 7 oz Westex UltraSoft fabric and features a 10 oz West InsulAir liner. Other features include 2 large side pockets at the waist, an elastic back at waist, elastic...$168.42 - $202.10
FR Jackets & Coats — Frequently Asked Questions
The primary difference is length and coverage. FR jackets (including bomber-style) are waist-length — they allow easier access to tool belts and are suited for most utility, electrical, and industrial applications. FR coats and parkas are hip to thigh-length, providing greater coverage and warmth in extreme cold, and are preferred for outdoor substation, pipeline, and offshore work in winter conditions. Both styles are available in insulated and uninsulated options; arc ratings and certifications are independent of jacket length.
Arc rating selection follows your site's NFPA 70E hazard assessment for each task. As a general guide: CAT 2 (8 cal/cm²) covers most common electrical maintenance tasks on switchboards and motor control centers; CAT 3 (25 cal/cm²) applies to high-voltage switchgear and bus work; CAT 4 (40 cal/cm²) is required for substations and medium-voltage equipment. Our FR jacket collection spans 8 to 40+ cal/cm². Always confirm your site-specific hazard analysis before selecting a garment.
Not automatically. The arc rating printed on an FR jacket applies to that jacket alone. To claim a combined system rating from layered garments, the specific combination must have been tested together as an assembly. NFPA 70E permits layering for added protection, but individual cal/cm² values from untested combinations cannot be added together. Consult the garment manufacturer for tested system ratings when building a multi-layer arc-rated outfit.
No — not synthetic ones. NFPA 70E Article 130.7 requires every layer worn under arc-rated outer garments to be non-melting. Polyester, nylon, acetate, or other synthetic fabrics worn under an FR jacket can melt and cause severe burns if heat penetrates the outer layer during an arc flash. 100% cotton or FR-treated base layers are acceptable. For maximum compliance, wear a full FR system from base to outer layer.
Yes. Our collection includes insulated FR parkas and bomber jackets rated from 8 to 40+ cal/cm², with FR-compliant insulation materials such as modacrylic quilted linings and FR cotton-blend batting. The insulation materials in a rated FR jacket must themselves be non-melting and FR-tested as part of the garment system — the stated arc rating applies to the full insulated garment as tested. Use the Style filter to find insulated options.
Yes. Several jackets in this category are certified to both NFPA 70E arc flash standards and ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility requirements — designed specifically for utility linemen, storm restoration crews, and workers performing energized tasks near roadways. Brands include Neese Industries, NASCO, and Portwest. Use the ANSI Certified filter to find hi-vis outerwear options.
Machine wash warm (up to 140°F), standard detergent only. Do not use chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide bleach, fabric softeners, or starch — all can degrade FR protection. Tumble dry low or hang to dry. Ensure flammable contaminants (oil, grease, chemicals) are fully removed before returning to service — if they cannot be removed by washing, dry clean or retire the garment. Always follow the specific care label on your jacket.