Flame Resistant Jackets & FR Coats - Arc Flash Outerwear

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.