Estex Electrical Arc Protection Blanket

Estex Electrical Arc Protection Blanket

The possibility for Electrical Arc is an incredibly dangerous aspect of working in manholes and other utility areas. 

• The Estex BlastMat Arc Protection Blanket provides a measure of protection against severe injury and even death in Electrical Arcing when used properly.
• The Arc blanket is designed to manage thermal radiation of both the heat and fire created by the blast event, a pressure wave, and a molten spray.
• Kevlar straps available for quick and easy installation
• Hang blankets loosely and at least 20cm from potential fault
• The BlastMat can be configured to fit the circumstances of the vault for particular jobs

Blanket Layering Construction

The BlastMat Arc Suppression Blanket is made in three configurations: A 3 layer Light-Line style blanket used in 15KA applications, a 4 layer blanket used in 25KA applications and a 6 layer Regular-Line style blanket used in a 40KA application. Layers include Kevlar, ballistic fabric and nomex blends. 

Standard to Provide Guidance for its Effectiveness and Capacity

STANDARD ASTM 2676-09 HAS THREE PARTS THAT ARE SCORED TO PASS THE TEST:

1. The KA (KiloAmps) threshold, which chronicles the blankets maximum current at which it will fail at 10 cycles.
2. Time in cycles it takes the blanket to fail thereby calculating the blankets mechanical number is derived by multiplying the threshold number, for example 25KA with the cycle time, for example 20 cycles, the time the blanket held until failure, to equal the KA Cycle level of 500 (which is the total energy management of 500KA).
3. Evaluate ability of the blanket to self-extinguish after the arc explosion ceases. ASTM 2676-09 standard provides for three levels of testing: 15KA, 25KA, and 40KA.

Specifications

Care and Use Instructions

1. UV light found in sun and fluorescent lighting effects all Aramid fabric’s strength. Proper storage is required to prevent UV damage. Always store blankets after thoroughly dried.
2. BlastMat Blankets can be laundered with normal detergents. Water temp should not exceed 60 degrees Celsius. DO NOT USE Chlorine Bleaches. Rinse thoroughly. Tumble Dry on Delicate or Air Dry preferably.

Warnings and Precautions

1. BlastMat Blankets give limited protection because of the unpredictable nature of electrical discharges and may not fully contain the pressure wave, plasma arc flash, or blast material, but only reduce or dampen the explosive and incendiary effects. In such cases, injuries or even death may still occur, even if the blanket is properly used.
2. BlastMat Arc Suppression Blankets are designed for protection from the effects of arcing fault and is not classified as “Electrically Insulated” must never be used in this way.
3. BlastMat Blankets, hardware and strapping should be visually inspected before each use. Signs of wear or deterioration of components or stitching should cause the product to be disqualified for use. A user sponsored inspection and qualification program is recommended. Serial numbers and production dates are provided with each blanket.

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