Arc Flash Rating & Safety Standards

If you work in an environment with electrical hazards, ensuring your eye protection meets arc flash safety standards is critical. Not all safety glasses protect against an arc flash’s extreme heat and energy. Here’s what you need to know about arc flash ratings and the certifications that apply to arc-rated eyewear.

What Is an Arc Flash Rating?

Arc flash ratings are measured in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm²). This value tells you how much thermal energy the material can withstand before causing injury:

ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value): The amount of heat the eyewear or face shield can handle before the wearer would receive a second-degree burn.
EBT (Energy Breakopen Threshold): The point at which the material breaks open under extreme heat.

The higher the cal/cm² rating, the greater the protection.

ANSI & ASTM Standards That Apply to Arc Flash Safety Glasses

ANSI Z87.1 / Z87+

Ensures basic and high-impact eye protection and lens clarity

ASTM F2178

Arc flash testing method for face shields and hoods (gives arc rating)

NFPA 70E

Workplace safety guidelines that define arc flash PPE categories

ASTM F1506

To avoid visual distortion, Lenses must meet ANSI standards for visual clarity, refractive power, and prism correction.

To be truly arc-rated in arc flash environments, glasses must be ANSI Z87.1 certified AND tested to ASTM F2178.

What to Look for in Arc Flash Safety Glasses

When selecting arc flash safety glasses, look for the following features:

ANSI Z87.1 or Z87+ marking for impact resistance
Arc rating (in cal/cm²) clearly indicated and tested to ASTM F2178
Dielectric (non-conductive) construction — no metal parts like hinges or screws
Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses, which are heat- and impact-resistant
Full face shields or goggles for higher-risk tasks or PPE categories

Many manufacturers label their eyewear as “arc flash rated” or “dielectric,” but only those tested under ASTM F2178 with a published arc rating should be trusted in high-risk environments.

Arc Flash Safety Glasses at RX-Safety

RX-Safety offers a complete line of arc flash safety glasses and prescription options built for electrical work. All options are:

Certified to ANSI Z87.1+
Constructed from non-conductive materials
Tested to applicable arc flash standards
Available in prescription single vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses

Do you need help finding the right pair? Our team can help you find glasses that meet your workplace safety requirements.