How It’s Tested: Episode 18 – ‘EH’ Two Letters That Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly
Our How it's Tested series explores safety standards and test methods for AR / FR garments and PPE. With Scott Margolin, Vice President of Technical as our guide, we examine many of the major tests to understand what they measure, how they measure it, and what that means to someone like you who is specifying or wearing the garment. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, explore all episodes in this series to make sure you are up to date on the latest information.
Joining us again for this episode of How It’s Tested is Heath Hunter, Director of Industrial Sales at Ariat. Heath brings his protective footwear expertise to our discussion on electrical hazard (EH) rated boots.
In part 1 of our How It’s Tested series on protective footwear we touched on impact and compression resistance in addition to other footwear requirements. And, we learned about the differences between ASTM F2412 and F2413, including electrical shock resistance.
Please keep in mind that in order to comply with ASTM F2413 the footwear need not meet ALL requirements listed in our previous blog. However, the label on the footwear should clearly state which of the requirements the footwear meets. For example, all protective footwear that meets the EH requirement will have an ‘EH’ clearly visible on the ASTM label inside the footwear.
This week, we’ll explain in detail what it means for a boot to be tested for electric shock resistance and how EH rated boots are designed to reduce the hazards of any accidental contact with live electrical currents.
It is important to keep in mind that EH rated boots do not protect against arc-flash hazards. Rather, EH rated boots are designed to protect against a different hazard, shock. Shock can happen when a worker steps on a live electrical current.
Watch as Heath Hunter explains the voltage and leakage requirements specified to ensure EH rated boots are providing protection from the most common electrical hazards:
EH shock resistant footwear must be capable of withstanding the application of 18,000 volts at 60 hertz for 1 minute with no excess flow or leakage.
EH rated footwear is made of non-conductive, electrical shock resistant soles and heels; specifically designed to reduce the flow of electricity through the shoe and into the ground. This means the wearer is less likely to be electrocuted. So think about where you’re working and make sure you make the right footwear choice.
Tyndale would like to thank Heath Hunter for joining us and providing detailed explanations of impact, compression, and electrical shock resistance in protective footwear.
