DGUV Information 203-077

DGUV Information 203-077 / Guide selecting PPE in thermal hazards due to electric fault arcing

ID 24964 | 22.11.2025 / Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung 2021

DGUV Information 203-077
Thermal hazards due to electric fault arcing Guide for selecting  personal protective equipment
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This DGUV Information brochure is intended to support employers in their selection of suitable personal protective equipment (e.g. protective clothing, head and face protection and gloves) against the thermal effects of an electric fault arc (PPEaA).

Persons working on or in the vicinity of live electrical equipment are, in principle, exposed to hazards associated with electric fault arcing. Electric arcs are rare, yet cannot be eliminated completely in the working environment, meaning that persons therein will require reliable protection. Arcing is not only induced by short circuiting, but can also occur when two current-carrying components are separated from each other (e.g. installation/removal of circuit protectors while under load).

Depending on the electrical network and equipment configuration, electric arcing can be extremely hazardous:

- High levels of thermal energy.
- Shock waves and associated fragments released by the explosive propagation of an arc flash.
- High intensity electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation bands, but also in the visible light band, which can lead to irreversible damage to the eyes and skin.
- High levels of acoustic shock (blast).
- Toxic gases and particles produced by melting and vaporized materials in the vicinity of the arc flash (including electrodes)

Each consequence can, by itself, endanger the health and even the life of a person in proximity of the occurrence.

The most serious personal risks are associated with the thermal effects of electric fault arcing.

The PPEaA selection process used in this DGUV Information is based on the standardized Box test method according to DIN EN 61482-1-2 (VDE 0682-306-1-2)

It is recommended to perform a Risk assessment in order to evaluate the hazards associated with electric fault arcing and to facilitate subsequent PPEaA selection. In addition to the potential severity of damage, the probability of injury due to electric arcing should also be considered as part of the analysis. Section 3 of this DGUV Information describes the approaches that can be taken with respect to the thermal effects of electric arcing.

Comprehensive examples in Annex 5 as well as exemplary depictions of work locations in Annex 6 support those who apply this DGUV Information with implementation of the Risk assessment and with the calculation process. Practical rules to apply when coordinating the selection of PPEaA with pre-fused circuits (Annex 7) point the way to finding suitable PPEaA based on the fuses used or selected.
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 Published by: German Statutory Accident Insurance registered association (DGUV) July 2021

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