Flame Resistant (FR) Pants & Arc Rated Work Trousers

Both. NFPA 70E Table 130.5(G) specifies arc-rated long-sleeve shirt and pants as the minimum daily-wear requirement for workers exposed to arc flash hazards above 1.2 cal/cm². Wearing a compliant FR shirt with non-FR pants leaves the lower body unprotected — standard work pants made from polyester, nylon, or synthetic blends will melt and cause severe leg burns in an arc flash event even if the upper body is fully protected.

A garment labeled "FR" (flame resistant) is not automatically arc-rated. For NFPA 70E compliance, pants must be arc-rated — tested to ASTM F1959 with a documented ATPV or EBT value in cal/cm². Always verify the individual product's arc rating before purchasing.

FR work pants and dungarees in this category typically carry arc ratings of 7–12 cal/cm², covering NFPA 70E PPE Category 1 (4+ cal/cm²) through Category 2 (8+ cal/cm²) — the most common range for daily electrical maintenance work. FR jeans in lighter denim weights may rate at 7–9 cal/cm², while heavier Indura® duck pants can reach 11–12 cal/cm².

For higher-energy environments (CAT 3–4), FR pants are typically used as part of a layered system under arc-rated coveralls or arc flash suits. Confirm your site's hazard assessment for the specific arc rating required for each task.

FR work pants (twill, canvas, or duck) are woven from heavier industrial fabrics like Indura® Ultra Soft or Westex® UltraSoft, typically 7–9 oz fabric weight. They feature reinforced seams, utility pockets, and a traditional work-cut silhouette. Arc ratings tend to be higher (9–12 cal/cm²) due to fabric weight. Best for plant, field, and utility work.

FR jeans are made from flame-resistant denim — cotton or cotton-blend denim treated or woven with FR properties. Garment-washed for softness, they look and feel like everyday jeans while meeting NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112 certifications. Arc ratings are typically 7–9 cal/cm² (CAT 1–2). Popular with oil and gas workers, linemen, and electricians who want daily comfort with compliance.

FR pants can be worn with non-FR outer garments in non-arc-flash environments where only flash fire protection (NFPA 2112) is required. However, for NFPA 70E arc flash environments, every garment layer must be non-melting — including jackets, vests, and outer layers. Wearing a non-FR synthetic outer jacket over FR pants does not satisfy NFPA 70E requirements and creates a melt hazard. In arc flash environments, all layers must be non-melting FR material.

Common FR pants fabrics in our collection include:

• Indura® Ultra Soft (88% cotton/12% nylon, treated FR) — durable, abrasion-resistant, 8.7–12 ATPV. Industry standard for oil and gas and utility.
• Westex® UltraSoft (similar composition, treated FR) — soft hand feel, comfortable for all-day wear, 8–12 cal/cm².
• Nomex® IIIA (93% Nomex/5% Kevlar, inherently FR) — lightweight, permanent protection, 5–8 cal/cm², preferred for clean environments and supervisory roles.
• Bizflame® / modacrylic blends (inherently FR) — anti-static properties, soft, available in stretch and cargo styles.
• FR denim (FR-treated cotton denim) — 7–9 cal/cm², garment-washed for comfort, popular in jeans and dungaree styles.

Machine wash warm (up to 140°F/60°C) with standard laundry detergent. Do not use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, fabric softeners, starch, or optical brighteners — all degrade FR performance on both inherent and treated fabrics. Tumble dry low or air dry; avoid high heat which can cause shrinkage and reduce coverage length. Inspect pants before each use — holes, fraying seams, or flammable contamination (oil, grease) that cannot be removed in the wash requires the garment to be dry-cleaned or removed from service. Always follow the care label on your specific garment.